European (German or Swiss?), early 16th century / c. 1520–30
Bishop's Mantle (Cape)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Bishop's Mantle (Cape) as arms and armor (European (German or Swiss?), early 16th century · c. 1520–30).
In 805 an edict of Charlemagne established a link between the right to own land and the obligation to own a chainmail shirt.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as riveted steel (some brass) rings; reinforced collar.
The museum's collection notes: Chain mail capes known as "bishop's mantles" were popular with German mercenary foot soldiers between about 1500 and 1550. They were often worn as the only element of armor.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBishop's Mantle (Cape)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.