Hey guys,

Medieval Arms (http://www.medieval-arms.co.uk) seem to have some reasonably priced riveted mail. This comes either in Blackened or Zinc Coated. Here are the pics:

http://images.medieval-arms.co.uk/l/alias3/P1...ckened.jpg
http://images.medieval-arms.co.uk/l/alias3/P1...leeves.jpg

Now, Im not sure which to get. The blackened one to me looks a bit too black. The company says the black is added at liquid level so the black cannot be taken off or show the steel over time. Its black. Obiviously the Zinc looks awful but Ive read some articles online saying its possible to remove the Zinc plating with a solution. This would then show the steel underneath which would age over time and look alot better.

Has anyone ordered maile from this company? Has anyone tried removing Zinc coating before? I would like your input and guidance on this as I cannot decide how to proceed :confused:

Why make more work for yourself for no purpose? After a while zinc darkens nicely and saves a lot of time and effort cleaning off rust. Even if you clean off the zinc it still won't have anything in common with historical examples and at least zinc protected mail can be shown to be "in period" in some circumstances such as India.

If you want to be "in period" then you'd pay someone like Erik to make your mail properly and you'd have at least one servant to keep it clean for you. If you aren't interested in that level of authenticity then what is the problem with a little zinc?

I own the zinc one. I can tell you that it comes in a really nasty bright blue colour, and takes a very long time to darken. I haven't gotten round to trying to get the zinc off yet.

Hey Tony, I have used zinc plated wire on my hauberk and it doesn't look too bad. It does darken over time...6 months to a year. I don't know much about the removal of zinc other than burning it off is dangerous. I would think if you used the vinegar solution and need to remove the rust...a small sandblaster and air compressor would work well. you can rent those at most tool rental outlets. Failing that......you could always fill a barrel with sand, throw your hauberk in and roll it around for a while. :lol:

I'm not sure who manufactures the ones you pictured but have you seen GDFB's? Their zinc plated one doesn't look to bad.
http://www.getdressedforbattle.co.uk/acatalog...aille.html

Hope this helps

http://store.fastcommerce.com/cat_icefalcon_f...a0183.html

Never seen this maile personally, but have been told it is pretty decent quality, and good prices too. They have a nice variety of link types, and materials.

For welded in stainless steel there is " The Ring Lord ":
http://theringlord.com/cart/shopdisplayproduc...l+Clothing

Got an XXL one and I like it a lot and the price is very good.
The total weight is around 8 pounds with elbow length sleeves and coming down to mid thigh.

Service was quick by the way: Oder to delivery about 1 week although they only promised a delivery of around 10 days.

I have Icefalcon's Chausses, they are very nice and needed just alitte trimming. I beleive his new shipment is coming soon.

Thanks for everyones help so far. The IceFalcon maile looks pretty impressive and the price isnt too bad either!