Helmets

Assorted patterns, including a gauntlet, great helm, spangenhelm, and lamellar.

Assorted patterns, including elbows, knees, spangenhelm, and splints.

The making of a helm in the style of a mid to late 8th century Coppergate helm. This is a relatively low-tech pieced helmet of a style suitable for the amateur to make.

Photos and pattern for a bascinet (shown with camail), with a bar grill added to meet SCA armor standards.

Photos and pattern.

Subjects covered in this issue: tables; tents; tools; making a padded jack; soldiers' helmets from 15th century illustrations; and a description of the splendors of the Burgundian court from the Paston letters.

Photos and patterns.

Photos & pattern.

Photos and patterns.

A catalog from an exhibition at the Metropolit an Museum of Art.

I wrote this paper as a way to share what I have found in my search for the techniques used by ancient armourers in thier craft. It is a rough draft and is by no means a definitive paper on the construction of armour. I would love it if people tried my techniques to see if they can use them and to give me feedback on problems they had or new ideas.

In this paper, I have just touched the surface of general metal work and helmet construction. I don't go into details, just the basics.

Photos and pattern.

Photos and pattern.

Photos & pattern.

A narrative and photo essay of a project to make an 11th century Norman helmet "the old-fashioned way -- by hitting a single piece of steel many hundreds of times, until it looks helmet-like."

Pattern, and photos of finished armet.

Photos & pattern.

A gallery of photos taken during a trip to the museum, including a folding table (1480-1500); casting molds; a brooch; some wooden combs; six candlesticks (14th-15th centuries); a clasp (13th century); belts (14th and 15th centuries); carvings in ivory and wood; a pig-face bascinet; a mail shirt; a 14th century dagger and some sword pommels; and a chest, stool, and bed at the Design Museum.

Photos & pattern.

Photos & patterns.

Photos & pattern.

One of the most exciting aspects of the early period warrior persona is the possibility of constructing a helmet which is not only utilitarian but also beautiful.

How to create a helmet similar to the Coppergate helm, and ways to adapt it for use in SCA combat.