The earliest chain mail found dates to the 3rd century BC and chain mail is still used today in shark suits and butchers gloves. This butted chain mail shirt is very heavy with a 6 into 2 weave. An example such as this would take a very long time to weave. The rings are pinch cut and there is a cloth border with metal hook and loop fasteners that run down the front center. Consignor notes indicate it was manufactured between 1550 and 1650. His notes also state it may have been produced by German, Italian or Spanish armorers and that it was purchased from a family in Texas who claimed it was obtained from a Comanche Indian and was handed down through the generations. Weighs approximately 21 pounds. Provenance: The William Ashby Collection

Very good, the mail has minor surface oxidation overall with some areas of pitting. The cloth border is fair with sections of material absent. There are also some absent or loose fasteners.