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Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Mail Coat
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Mail Coat

Date1300s-1800s
Mediumiron and brass
Dimensions109 × 120 cm (42 15/16 × 47 1/4 in.), 14 lb 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.854
DescriptionLinks from very diverse sources, some evidently Islamic, some perhaps European, perh. 16-19c. Some sections riveted, some alternate riveted and butted. Chest links 12mm ext dia, 10 mm int. Some link interiors lightly cusped.

Medium length-sleeves.
Label TextMail remained in use in northern and Sudanic Africa longer than in Europe or the Middle East. As a result, there was a thriving trade in old mail, as unused body armor was exported to African markets, where they were often altered to meet local tastes and preferences.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Persian
1600s-1800s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Nuremberg
early 1500s, modified into 1800s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Persian
probably 1600–1650
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Indian
1700s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Indian
early 1600s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Indian
possibly 1700s
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Persian
about 1850–1900 with older components
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Indian
late 1700s-early 1800s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Ottoman
1600s-1700s