Mail Sleeve 17th/18th century
Probably for the left arm. Possibly eastern. Body section formed of alternating rows of solid and riveted rings both of flat section. Forearm section of the sleeve portion also of alternating riveted and solid rings. Upper arm entirely riveted. Riveted rings in the arm and shoulder of round section wire. Appears to be well formed with good overlaps. Most rivets hard to identify. A few are definitely pin rivets, a few are definitely wedge. The majority not classified. Solid rings appear to have been cut from sheet, with facets on the outside visible even after wear. Two buckles in the front and some extensions at the back which may have connected to the other sleeve. Both buckles secured with a metal mounting plate and riveted with a large headed rivet. One plate with simple stamped decoration and complete buckle. The other with a plain plate and loss in the buckle. Full length, fitted at the elbow and with an opening at the wrist. Some extensive losses on one side of the elbow which have been patched with larger butted rings.
This sleeve deserves additional study. It is tailored in a very european manner. Some of the rings appear to be eastern. Others feel more western. The interesting combination of alternating solid/riveted, all riveted, round section and flat section rings along with the buckles and remains of mail strips extending across the body should all be mapped in detail to help identify the origin of this piece.
Provenance: Joe Kindig Jr. (1891-1971) then by descent.
If you have any questions, please send them to Wade Allen
This site last updated Tue Sep 23 13:29:04 EDT 2025