RARE INDOPERSIAN MAIL COIF KULAH ZIRAH, 16th-17th CENTURY

Comprising a central plate mounted with a plume holder, both finely overlaid with gold koftgari. The body of particularly small fine butted link mail in a diamond pattern alternating iron with brass. The bottom with four-pointed falls. Butted link mail, is generally considered to post-date riveted link mail based on its use in body armor. In that application, defense against thrusting attacks which riveted links provide, is essential. Attacks to the head and neck, however are generally slashing or hacking. The mail absorbs much of the energy through displacement and disperses more to the contact area. The more flexible the mail, the more energy is absorbed. This example maximizes protection with an extremely dense matrix of fine small links. The decoration suggests that it was made for a warrior of noble birth.