This rare and complete mail shirt is early Ottoman, 16 C. or earlier. It is composed of many thousands rings interlaced to form a flexible and easy to maneuver mesh. Short sleeves style with a tall collar cushioned with leather strips (Typical to Ottoman mails). 35 inches tall, 40 inches wide (sleeves fully stretched). The arrangement of rings is of rare and unusual construction: One row of riveted rings and one row of forge welded rings, in an alternating order. This construction of rings was common in earlier European mails and probably influenced the Ottoman armourers of later periods. Very good condition. Few rings missing in several spots. Rare and unusual item.