Chain gloves
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Item out of stock
Chainmail gloves are among the oldest forms of protective equipment in the history of combat – and remain an indispensable part of authentic armour displays in re-enactment and LARP to this day. Here you will find fingerless gloves and mittens made from carbon steel and galvanised steel mesh, suitable for hauberks and haubergeons, chainmail hoods and other parts of historical body armour.
What is a gauntlet – and how does it differ from chainmail gloves?
The term ‘gauntlet’ is the historical umbrella term for all forms of medieval hand protection. It encompasses designs made from woven chain mail as well as those made from metal plates or a combination of both techniques. The chainmail gauntlet is therefore a specific type of gauntlet: it consists exclusively of interlocking metal rings woven into a flexible protective mesh.
These are to be distinguished from plate gloves, in which individual steel plates – often finger segments and cuffs – are mounted on a leather or fabric base. Leather gloves, in turn, offered a certain degree of basic protection in the early Middle Ages, but were not regarded as full-fledged armour. Chainmail gloves in their typical form emerged in the early Middle Ages as a natural complement to chainmail and were further developed until the late 15th century – most recently often combined with plate elements on the knuckles and backs of the fingers.
What are chainmail gloves used for in re-enactment and LARP?
In stage combat, chainmail gloves fulfil two functions simultaneously: they protect the sword hand from blows and ensure that an armour ensemble looks visually and historically authentic. Particularly from the High Middle Ages onwards, an armour ensemble without hand protection appears incomplete – the hands were particularly exposed in combat, as they held the sword, shield or reins and were thus constantly in the danger zone.
For LARP, chainmail gloves offer a good balance between protection and freedom of movement, provided they have a suitably soft weave and appropriate construction. Combined with chainmail sleeves, a hauberge and a helmet, they create a cohesive overall look. Chainmail gloves can also be usefully worn as an addition to plate armour – for example, when plate gloves are too restrictive for certain fighting styles.
Finger gloves vs. mittens: Which type suits you?
- Individually crafted fingers made from chain mail
- Greater grip and mobility
- Suitable for stage combat with sword and shield
- Detailed depictions from the High Middle Ages onwards
- Typically with a 6 mm ring diameter – fine, close-fitting mesh
- Riveted versions for greater stability
- Simpler construction without separate fingers
- More robust and quicker to manufacture
- Historically closer to the Early and High Middle Ages
- Larger ring diameter (9–10 mm) possible – lighter, slightly less delicate
- Unriveted versions available for those on a budget
- Combines well with early medieval reenactments
The ring diameter directly influences the weight and protective effect: a 6 mm weave is denser, heavier and offers greater resistance to impact. A 9 mm or 10 mm weave is lighter and easier to manufacture, which is also reflected in the price. Riveted rings – in which each ring is closed by a small rivet – are historically attested by archaeological finds and significantly more robust than non-riveted variants, but require more labour to produce.
An overview of materials and ring constructions
| Material | Suitability | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel (6 mm) | Reenactment | High stability, requires maintenance to prevent oxidation; more authentic appearance |
| Galvanised steel (9 mm) | LARP | Bright sheen, more rust-resistant, easier to maintain; good starter option |
| Carbon steel (10 mm, unriveted) | LARP | Lighter mesh, simple construction, lower price |
| Carbon steel + suede | Reenactment | Leather backing for comfort; suede is soft and supple |
| Carbon steel + core leather | Reenactment | Sturdy leather base; durable combination for regular use |
Carbon steel is the traditional material used for chainmail and, with proper care, offers a very long service life. Galvanised steel has natural corrosion protection thanks to the zinc coating and is particularly well suited for beginners and LARP use in changing weather conditions. The combination of steel mesh with a leather base – be it soft suede or more robust core leather – noticeably increases comfort and prevents the mesh from rubbing directly against the skin.
Sizes, fit and care: What you should know before buying
The size specification for chainmail gloves (e.g. size 9 or size 9–10) refers to the hand circumference in inches, measured across the knuckles without the thumb. As a guide: size 9 corresponds to a circumference of approximately 22–23 cm. As chain mesh is naturally not very stretchy, we recommend a glove that isn’t too tight – it should fit well without pulling at the knuckles. If you’re unsure about which size to choose, opt for the next size up.
A chainmail glove is ideally worn over a thin leather glove or a gambeson mitten. This serves several purposes: the padding reduces the impact of blows, prevents chafing from the chainmail and improves the overall fit of the glove. In historical re-enactments, the leather glove as an underlayer is documented anyway – a gambeson on the hand was standard.
Carbon steel rusts if it remains damp. After use, the gauntlet should be dried thoroughly – preferably laid flat to air-dry, not crumpled up. It is then advisable to lightly oil it with a neutral oil (e.g. camellia oil or weapon oil). Superficial red rust can be removed with a fine metal sponge or abrasive cloth. Anyone who fights regularly should briefly check the glove for ring breaks after every use.
Galvanised steel is significantly easier to care for: in most cases, simply drying it is sufficient. Nevertheless, an occasional oiling does no harm, particularly when stored for extended periods. The leather parts – palm, thumb or cuff – should be treated regularly with a suitable leather care product to prevent drying out and cracking. Never dry wet leather directly over a heat source.
Historical background: How knights protected their hands
Early Middle Ages
The simple chain-mail gauntlet was the first widely used form of hand protection for heavily armed warriors. It was worn directly over a leather or woollen glove and made from the same chain mail as the chain-mail tunic – often as a one-piece extension of the chain-mail tunic sleeves. It provided good protection against cuts but offered little resistance to blunt weapons.
High Middle Ages
With the spread of the Crusades and the further development of armour technology, chainmail gloves were refined. Fingered gloves made of chain mail allowed for greater mobility and became standard among well-armoured knights. They were typically worn together with a hauberk and complemented the ensemble of chainmail coifs and chainmail sleeves. The hands – as the sword hand and the rein hand – were considered body parts particularly in need of protection.
Late Middle Ages
In the Late Middle Ages, chainmail gloves were increasingly supplemented with plate elements or completely replaced by articulated plate gloves. Mixed constructions – chain mail on the palm, plates on the knuckles and backs of the fingers – offered the best compromise between protection and mobility. This combination can still be found today in many re-enactments of the 14th and 15th centuries.
The right chainmail gauntlet set for your armour
Battle Merchant’s galvanised finger gloves with 9 mm mesh offer a good entry-level option: easy to care for, with a light sheen and robust construction. Ideal for first LARP events or as an addition to a simple chainmail shirt. Suitable for 12th–13th-century reenactments in staged combat.
The chainmail mittens and zinc-plated finger gloves with carbon steel mesh combine good protection with a solid leather base. Recommended for regular re-enactment events and historically accurate portrayals from the Early to the High Middle Ages. Combine with chainmail sleeves and a chainmail collar for a complete look.
The fingerless gloves with 6 mm carbon steel mesh on suede – available from Battle Merchant and Lord of Battles – represent the finest ring construction in the range. Riveted or tightly woven rings, soft suede base, precise fit. For re-enactment performances with high standards of historical accuracy and regular use in exhibition combat.
If you wish to complete your ensemble, it is best to combine the chainmail gloves with matching chainmail leggings, a gambeson as underarmour, and a helmet from the same period. The related categories within the chainmail range – from chainmail coifs to chainmail skirts – allow you to build a complete armour ensemble step by step.
Whether you’re putting together your first armour display or adding historically accurate hand protection to an existing set – our range includes chainmail gloves in various ring sizes, materials and constructions. Take a look at the available models and combine them with matching chainmail sleeves, chainmail hoods or a hauberk for a complete look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chainmail gloves protect the sword hand from blows during stage combat and visually complete a historical armour display. From the High Middle Ages onwards, armour without hand protection appears incomplete, as the hands were particularly exposed in combat. In LARP, they also offer a good balance between protection and freedom of movement.
Chainmail finger gloves have individually crafted fingers and offer greater dexterity when gripping – ideal for exhibition combat and more detailed reenactments. Chainmail mittens are simpler in construction, more robust and historically closer to the Early and High Middle Ages. They are well suited as a starter option or for reenactments where finger precision is less important.
The term ‘gauntlet’ refers to medieval hand protection in all its forms – that is, both chainmail gloves made from ring mail and plate gloves made from metal segments or combination constructions. Chainmail gloves are the older and more flexible variant, whilst plate gloves became increasingly common in the late Middle Ages.
Carbon steel rusts when exposed to moisture: after use, allow the gauntlet to dry thoroughly and then rub it lightly with a neutral oil (e.g. weapon oil). Surface rust can be removed with a fine metal sponge or abrasive cloth. Treat leather parts regularly with leather care products. Galvanised steel is easier to maintain and usually only needs to be dried.
For high-quality reenactment performances, 6 mm rings are recommended: denser, heavier, more stable and historically accurate. For beginners to LARP or lighter armour reenactments, 9 mm or 10 mm rings are well suited – they are lighter, more affordable and provide sufficient protection. Riveted rings offer more stability than non-riveted ones in any diameter.