Hello,
I was going to say that forge welding the mail would be difficult and not
done too often in history, but as pictured in your web site it was done.
The only seller iron I know in the US is Tom Ryan who is working at Konig
Iron works in Long Island City, New York state. But, he does not have wire.
>From what I recall about mail is was cut from sheet -- slit if you will.
I'm not sure what wire drawing became standard.
As too the forgewelding I suggest an oil lamp with a pipette assist. The pipe
is held in the mouth and the wire is held in the flame. A breath provides the
extra oxygen to boost the flame temperature. Have the pliers handy to squeeze
weld the wire together and then reheat and forge it over a small cone mandrel
to shape.
Richard Furrer
Mailleman wrote:
> All:
>
> I am looking for a source, preferably in the United States, for wire that
> approximates medieval wrought iron wire. I am interested in reproducing
> forge welded solid rings for use in alternating rows of riveted and solid
> maille armour. You can see examples of my current work here:
>
> http://www.crosswinds.net/~mailleman/
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Steven Sheldon
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|