Mr. Furrer:
Thank you for the reply, and the information on Konig Iron Works. I will
try and get in touch with them and see what I can come up with.
In my very limited experience, readings, and discussion with others, it
seems that when solid rings were used with maille (as was common prior to
1400, though certainly known afterwards as well) they were most commonly
forge welded rings. I have heard of an article by a David Sims in a
publication known as "Britannica" that supports the idea of punched solid
rings used in Roman maille, but I have not been able to document any
specific examples of punched solid rings. As you have noted from my web
site, I have seen examples of rings that appear to be forge welded.
As to the source of wire for maille, from my readings of the research done
by Dr. Cyril Stanley Smith (Technology and Culture, etc.) it is my
understanding that there is evidence to support both drawn wire and slit
wire. I suspect that both methods were used depending on the facilities and
resources available.
I have had the pipette torch idea suggested to me before, and it does indeed
sound plausible. However, I spoke to a blacksmith last week who provided an
intriguing yet simple alternative.
His suggestion was to take a rod that approximates the ID of the ring coil
to be forge welded, and slip the ring coil onto this rod, positioning it
near the end. Next take a block of metal, and manufacture a hole through
it, such that the above-described rod will pass through it smoothly. Slide
this block onto the other end of the rod. Hold the rod and block in one
hand, using the thumb and forefinger to grasp the rod, whilst using the rest
of the hand/fingers to hold the block in place. Then, thrust the opposite
end of the rod, with the coiled ring on it, into/over the forge fire, after
treating it with flux. Have an anvil quite nearby, and when the ring comes
to welding temperature, quickly place the end of the rod with the ring onto
the face of the anvil (perhaps into a small close-fitting pocket/bore). The
ring will slip down the rod and come to rest on the face of the anvil.
Quickly let go of the metal block, allowing it to slide down the rod
striking the ring against the anvil face, thus welding it shut.
His assertion was that one of the biggest mistakes people make while
learning to forge weld is striking the pieces too hard, and that it would
take very little force to complete the forge weld on a small ring at the
appropriate temperature, using slagged wrought iron.
What do you all think of this idea?
Does anyone else have any ideas for acquiring iron wire?
Steve
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask]
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Richard Furrer
> Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 11:03 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Source for wrought iron wire
>
>
> 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
>
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