11-20-2012, 03:46 AM
Carpini (1246) is probably the best source for Mongol armour. Here is one passage describing how it was made:
They beat out in large numbers thin iron plates a finger broad and a full hand long. In each they bore eight small holes, through which they pull three straight leather thongs. Thereupon they arrange these plates one above the other, as it were, descending by degrees, and tie the plates to the thongs mentioned by means of other small and tender thongs drawn through the holes. And in the upper part they fasten a single, small thong, doubled on each side, and sewn on to another, that the plates may be well and tightly knit together. Thus a uniform protection is effected by these plates, and such armor is made for their horses as well as for the men. It is so highly polished that a man may mirror his face in it.
They beat out in large numbers thin iron plates a finger broad and a full hand long. In each they bore eight small holes, through which they pull three straight leather thongs. Thereupon they arrange these plates one above the other, as it were, descending by degrees, and tie the plates to the thongs mentioned by means of other small and tender thongs drawn through the holes. And in the upper part they fasten a single, small thong, doubled on each side, and sewn on to another, that the plates may be well and tightly knit together. Thus a uniform protection is effected by these plates, and such armor is made for their horses as well as for the men. It is so highly polished that a man may mirror his face in it.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books
