So you what to know how
arms and armour was and is cared for! Here we will provide for you the details
of recorded accounts of how armour, maile, etc. was cared for around the
mid-12th century through the late 15th century and some recommendations on how
to care for it today. An important part of the work of owning armour is the
cleaning and keeping in repair your prized possessions. This is especially the
case with maile, which from its nature is peculiarly susceptible to the action
of rust.
How it was done
in the 12th century?
Just a note, it is
suggested by some authors that wearing a tunic or surcoat was to cover armour
and chainmaille, to help keep it clean and dry from the weather, even more
so than to identify the knights of the Crusades.
In 1296, the Duchy of
Lancaster reports, a leather sack to keeping armour in and the use of this
sack to clean armour with sand and vinegar. And in Dover Castle about 1344, it
is reported that an Oak barrel is used to place maille in with sand and
vinegar and rolled to clean armour.
It is also noted in 1513
by the Earl of Nothumberland that the use of pumice for cleaning rust from
armour and a cloth blanket to pack the armour for a journey. In 1567 it is
noted that armour may have been tinned or blackened (painted black) to protect
it from rust. It was not until 1647 when Wolfen Miller applied for a patent
for "a certain oyle (oil) to keep armour and armes from rust and kanker".
In summary, armour and
maile was placed in either a sack or barrel half filled with sand and vinegar
to clean the armour. Pumice was use to clean the more difficult rust from the
armour. The armour was then stored in cloth sacks until it was next needed. It
was also necessary to frequently replace the leather straps and buckles
(repair) due to the wear from the use and cleaning of the armour. After 1647,
oil may have been applied to armour and maile to help protect it from rusting.
Around the late-13th century, many pieces of armour were painted black to
prevent rusting.
How is it done today?
Proper care of medal arms
& armour has always been an important concern throughout the centuries.
Cleaning solvent noted here is usually inexpensive (kerosene works well) with
proper precautions for fire hazard.
Armour, Helms and some Swords are often covered with a protective
coating (usually oil or some other lubricant) to prevent tarnishing. This is
easily removed using a soft rag or fine steel wool, usually "00" and WD-40 or
other light lubricant seems to work well.
To remove mild scratches
from your item, use a metal polish and "00" steel wool. If the scratches are
deep in the metal, you may have to use a electric buffing wheel and
appropriate polish.
Mild or Carbon steel items can rust or tarnish if not protected. A
light coating of WD-40 or other light lubricant works well as a protective
coating. Spray the WD-40 or other light lubricant on a soft cloth and wipe
completely covering all exposed metal. This should protect you metal pieces
very well.
Chainmaille Mild Rusting spray with WD-40 for smaller items or for
larger items use a 5 gallon bucket, fill with one gallon of cleaning solvent
(costs about $2 a gallon), soak maille in bucket and “wash”, brushing with
bristle or plastic brush. DO NOT USE wire brushes as this may scratch the
metal surfaces. Hang dry in sun or other open area place until completely dry.
Then re-apply a light
coating of WD-40 or other light lubricant to protect you item from further
rusting.
Pack for storage in cloth
or paper. This will protect it from further rusting until ready to use.
Heavy Rusting on Metal; If you find that your item has developed
some severe rusting, use a "Naval Jelly" or other rust dissolver and "00"
steel wool to remove the rust. You MUST be sure to follow the directions on
the rust dissolver carefully. Many of these dissolvers can leave a permanent
"stain" if not fully removed after use.
Then re-apply a light
coating of WD-40 or other light lubricant to protect you item from further
rusting.
Straps, Crests & tails of armour and helmets: Attachments to armour
and helmets such as straps, crests (brushes) or 'ponytails', in the course of
packing and shipping, often get some of this protective lubricant in the hair
or material. The best way to handle this is to remove the item from the helmet
or armour. Using dish detergent and somewhat hot water, thoroughly wash the
item and rinse thoroughly. After towel drying the item, re-coat any metal
parts with WD-40 or other light lubricant to protect the metal. Completely
airs dry the brush, crest or straps. Using a hair dryer works well for this
and usually gets the 'fluff' back.
Yes, if WD-40 was
available in the early ages, much of the classic pieces of armour would still
be available and probably in good condition.
, All Rights Reserved. The
content of this document may not be used, modified, copied, distributed,
transmitted, publicly displayed, reproduced, published or sublicensed. The
creative works of the author may not be derivative, transferred, or sold by any
individual, company or other entity without the express written consent of the
author. Neither may it be sublicensed to third parties or reproduced by any
means without prior written approval of the author. This authorization
supersedes any and all previous authorizations granted or implied prior to
28 May 2008 or thereafter. Pricing and availability subject to
change without notice.