A Strange Discussion on Indian Weapons

[Funkmachine7]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

The use of mail prevailed in archaic situations into the 20th century (Khevsurs ) and through the 19th (in Egypt with the Khedive's 'iron men') and across the Sahara in Bornu and with many tribal groups. In most cases, it was readily discarded as the dramatically increased wounding from bullets were obvious incentive to do so.

Here is if (i've got the uploading thing to work properly ) on the mail shirts made for Khedive's Zirkhagi, by the Wilkinson Sword Company in a around 1880.
You'll note that is made of split rings, a
The armour did against guns prove to be " proved worse than useless" with the brittle rings shattereing which caused appalling wounds.
(A similar problem to the mail veils on WW1 tankers anti-spall masks.)

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Funkmachine7

Here is if (i've got the uploading thing to work properly ) on the mail shirts made for Khedive's Zirkhagi, by the Wilkinson Sword Company in a around 1880.
You'll note that is made of split rings, a
The armour did against guns prove to be " proved worse than useless" with the brittle rings shattereing which caused appalling wounds.
(A similar problem to the mail veils on WW1 tankers anti-spall masks.)

Thank you so much for posting this!! It is rare to see an actual example of the British made mail made for the Khedive's 'iron men'. It seems that Arkell wrote a paper on mail making in the Sudan and they did learn how to produce their own in degree, but as noted, with firearms the wounding potential was enhanced by the mail itself shattering.

It would be interesting to start a new thread on this topic, as well as some of the unusual armor and helmets etc. used in the Sudan and Sahara.

One of the intriguing fascinations of the European forces and travelers who went to these North African regions was the anachronistic appearance of the 'natives' who seem to have existed right out of the crusades into then modern times. Actually it seems that the Mamluks had a great deal to do with the appearance of mail and broadswords in these regions, and while they were overtaken of course by Ottomans their descendants diffused and remained throughout areas in Sudan and elsewhere.

[Jens Nordlunde]

I must say like B.I. did years ago - A Strange Discussion on Indian Weapons

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

I must say like B.I. did years ago - A Strange Discussion on Indian Weapons

Those were the good ole days!