Zirah Indo-persian Chainmail Shirt

Chain mail was worn in a wide range of cultures, from Europe to East Asia, and proved effective against sword strikes. The basic form of chain mail is made of iron rings, often riveted in an interlocking pattern creating an entire shirt, pants, or fantail. The Indian word for chain mail shirt is called "zirah" or "zirah bagtar" and was widely adopted by Persian, Ottoman, Eastern European and Indian armies from the 15th until the end of the 19th century . The type of manufacturing varies among most cultures, but Islamic and Eastern European designs were often forged in molds, drilled, and riveted. Sometimes armor plates were attached to the front and rear of the armor to provide additional protection.

his example: A rare and antique mail folder dating from the 17th century. The small rings are carefully riveted and are made of 1mm thick iron with a diameter of 7mm, which is incredibly hard and time consuming to make. The shirt features a long body with attached long sleeves and a padded collar decorated with fine Chintz fabric depicting a wild variation of flowers and foliage. The contours of the “zirah” are decorated with brass rings, probably added later since they are not riveted but simply hooked together. The collar has a “kulah zirah” aventail made up of very fine rings, the majority of which are riveted and alternated with a brass ring, some of which are also riveted. The aventail rings are 1mm thick and only 4-5mm in diameter. The entire shirt has been cared for over the centuries, some small pieces have old, authentic restorations that indicate the shirt was likely worn over generations.

Condition: Good condition, some old period repairs and slightly rusty in some places. Worn fabric at the collar and front. Also good condition. (Bust not included in the sale)

Dimensions: Length: 63 cm Width: 87 cm Diameter of the largest mail ring: 8 mm Diameter of the smallest mail ring: 4 mm Weight: 4.1 kg

Literature: – H. Russell Robinson “Oriental Armor” – G. Cameron Stone “a glossary of the construction, decoration and use of arms and armor”