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Mail Shirt

dated A.H. 1232/1816–17 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 379
The shirt is made primarily of steel rings with an in inscription interwoven in brass and copper rings. It includes the "Prayer to Ali," which was often used in times of danger. The shirt is therefore designed to provide spiritual as well as physical protection.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mail Shirt
  • Date: dated A.H. 1232/1816–17 CE
  • Culture: Indian or Iranian
  • Medium: Iron, copper alloys, leather
  • Dimensions: as mounted, H. approx. 30 in. (76.2 cm); as mounted, W. approx. 21 in. (53.5 cm); laid flat, L. 34 in. (86.3 cm); laid flat, W. 78 3/4 in. (200 cm)
  • Classification: Mail
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
  • Object Number: 36.25.57
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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dated A.H. 1223/1808–9 CE
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early 19th century
Dagger (Kard) with Sheath, Steel, ivory, gold, wood, leather, iron, Persian, Qajar
Dagger (Kard) with Sheath
Persian, Qajar
ca. 1800
Miquelet Pistol, Steel, wood, silver, copper alloy (niello), Caucasian, Tbilisi, Georgia, or Dagestan
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Caucasian, Tbilisi, Georgia, or Dagestan
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