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by Derian le Breton
Tue Dec 09, 2008 6:17 pm
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Holy Roman Empire: Wow, That's Complicated!
Replies: 3
Views: 254

Also, around 1300 the Prague Groshen became a dominant coinage in central europe due to it's high silver content. It's a fairly simple design too; the lion's body and back leg was eventually made with a single punch, the other legs, tail, and head had their own punches. I believe the mane was always...
by Derian le Breton
Tue Dec 09, 2008 6:10 pm
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Holy Roman Empire: Wow, That's Complicated!
Replies: 3
Views: 254

France's coinage was pretty complicated early on too! ;)

On the other hand, there are lots of really neat bracteates from the HRE. <A HREF="http://www.elsen.be/index.aspx">Jean Elsen</A> is a good source of originals.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:52 pm
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Latten and Brass: Same Thing
Replies: 26
Views: 529

Here's a useful link detailing the chemical composition of some latten candlesticks in the Leicestershire museum: m This particular article suggests that the term "latten" was used because the alloy was neither bronze (copper/tin) nor brass (copper/zinc). In this case, "latten" m...
by Derian le Breton
Tue Dec 09, 2008 12:39 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Effingham's BBC show finally on in the US! *WOOT!*
Replies: 30
Views: 554

Great stuff! Quite interesting, and very well produced. :)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Mon Dec 08, 2008 8:25 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: attaching a chinstrap
Replies: 50
Views: 1069

The first was by someone (feel free to scroll up) that claimed the bolts "can and will" puncture my skull. That "someone" was me, and I stand by my statement. If you leave them as they are, they will hurt you. Internal projections are very dangerous in helmets; there's a reason ...
by Derian le Breton
Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:03 pm
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Latten and Brass: Same Thing
Replies: 26
Views: 529

They have the same primary ingredients. That's about it.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Sun Dec 07, 2008 11:07 pm
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Site decorating
Replies: 3
Views: 166

Quality work takes time and effort. This is true with armour and site decor. :D

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:51 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: attaching a chinstrap
Replies: 50
Views: 1069

Bolts on the inside of a helm like that are dangerous. You don't want any projections on the inside of a helm, they can and will puncture your skulll.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Sat Dec 06, 2008 1:49 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: playing with wiggle work (blinging out my gauntlets)
Replies: 21
Views: 954

As will hardening the tool (though it may chip if it gets too much lateral force.)

Cool stuff!

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:43 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Book on the Origins of Swear Words?
Replies: 6
Views: 220

I don't know the book you're looking for, but the OED contains entries that may help.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:32 am
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: 2009 Project: Strongbox
Replies: 72
Views: 1715

Huh, I thought that form of locking handle (that locks at 90 degrees from the body) was an anachronism. It's nice to be proven wrong! :)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:11 pm
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Effingham's BBC show finally on in the US! *WOOT!*
Replies: 30
Views: 554

Congrats! Is there a copy available online for those of us without TVs?

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Mon Dec 01, 2008 7:39 pm
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Viking Knife sheath project
Replies: 17
Views: 457

Making punches is very easy. 1 - Buy a rod of steel. For thin brass the type doesn't really matter. Square stock is easier for alignment purposes, round stock generally means you have to remove less metal. 2 - File a taper. 3 - File the tapered end to your desired shape. 4 - Polish the shaped end un...
by Derian le Breton
Sat Nov 29, 2008 9:08 pm
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: What are some good books?
Replies: 12
Views: 211

<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/Arms-Armor-Medieval-Knight-Illustrated/dp/0517103192">Arms and Armor of the Medieval Knight</A> is a great intro book with plenty of high-quality photos. It's out of print, but I've seen it for as low as $10.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:45 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: what forms to make????
Replies: 8
Views: 415

That's about perfect for a coining anvil. :D

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:53 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: Gluing leather to steel advice needed.
Replies: 10
Views: 231

I've used 3M contact cement before successfully for a project like this. Unfortunately I can't remember the specific type I used.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:27 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: Acid dipping
Replies: 10
Views: 309

Muric acid doesn't exist. Muriatic acid is a common name for HCl (AKA Hydrochloric acid.)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:14 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: help researching Franco-Byzantine style
Replies: 2
Views: 96

What, when, and where are you referring to?

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:40 pm
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: What are your picks for awesometastic books
Replies: 20
Views: 383

I should say I just bought a copy of <u>Coins of Medieval Europe</u> for $49 on Ebay, though I've been watching for a cheapish copy for quite a while. :D

But yeah, even though it's quite broad it sure qualifies as a "specialty" book, even in our hobby.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:18 am
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: What are your picks for awesometastic books
Replies: 20
Views: 383

If you get anyone interested in coinage, <u>Coins of Medieval Europe</u> by Philip Grierson is an amazing resource. Tons of very high quality 50% enlarged photos, and the text is excellent. Unfortunately it's out of print, but copies can be found on ebay and other sites for $80 or so. -Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Tue Nov 18, 2008 3:47 am
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Coins for Portrayals (Requests for 2009)
Replies: 10
Views: 276

It's certainly a reasonable place to start. Compared to English coins, Scottish coins only maintained the same basic design. The portrait, inscriptions, and many major design elements were entirely different. But yes, they use the same type of cross on the reverse, and have similar layouts. You'd se...
by Derian le Breton
Tue Nov 18, 2008 2:59 am
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Coins for Portrayals (Requests for 2009)
Replies: 10
Views: 276

Just for fun, does anyone know what coinage would mainly have been used in Scotland during the era of Wallace and the Bruce? In short, the silver penny. In detail: I haven't done a detailed study of Scottish coins, but here are some tidbits gleaned from my books: Alexander III (1249-1285) made many...
by Derian le Breton
Sun Nov 16, 2008 3:57 pm
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Cache of Celtic Coins Uncovered in Dutch Cornfield
Replies: 3
Views: 128

http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/ ... hp?t=89337

Same forum, a few lines from the top... ;)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:48 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Did we miss this????!!!??!?!!!
Replies: 7
Views: 635

I hope they take their time and get it exactly right. :)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Sat Nov 15, 2008 4:20 am
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: November 1 & 2, Medieval Market Near Amsterdam
Replies: 20
Views: 439

I find http://www.flickr.com to be superior in just about every way to photobucket.

YMMV. :D

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Fri Nov 14, 2008 6:56 pm
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Celtic coins found in the Netherlands
Replies: 1
Views: 103

Those who find this story interesting might also might want to look at the <A HREF="http://www.finds.org.uk/CCI/">Celtic Coin Index</A>.

They have records for 37751 coins. :)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:09 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Did we miss this????!!!??!?!!!
Replies: 7
Views: 635

Other films by this guy include such topics as Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle, ancient history, alien abductions, the British Royal family, CIA assassinations and global terrorism. He is interested in "the paranormal," and claims that one of the mummified corpses is Mary Magdalene. Sure sme...
by Derian le Breton
Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:55 pm
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Coins for Portrayals (Requests for 2009)
Replies: 10
Views: 276

Roman coin dies were usually made entirely by engraving - they're considerably more challenging than most medieval dies (which usually feature some engraving, though not much - depends on the time and place.)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:22 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Mord's Conclusions: Viking Armour
Replies: 127
Views: 15050

Mord wrote:
Donasian wrote:Is Oakeshott's typology too high-level for a study of Viking arms?

-Donasian.


I must admit some confusion at your question. Too high-level?


Too broad. Lacking in detail for weapons a specific time/place that look fairly similar to one another.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:17 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: 14th Century images including a mace?
Replies: 3
Views: 258

I did some searching and found several extant 14th century mace heads:

http://www.antique-militaria.co.uk/iron ... ead-00842/
http://otlichnik.tripod.com/medmace3.html

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Thu Nov 13, 2008 12:53 am
Forum: Interpretive Re-creation
Topic: Coins for Portrayals (Requests for 2009)
Replies: 10
Views: 276

FWIW if you can get good strikes in brass, you can easily do fine silver, and possibly sterling (which is quite a bit harder.) Sterling is obviously the most accurate medium for English coins post 1189, but continental ones varied a lot, and except for a few types were usually much more debased. I w...
by Derian le Breton
Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:03 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: yikes not good
Replies: 26
Views: 1127

Also, those prices are CRAZY high given the apparent quality of the work. For that amount of money you can get much nicer, safe, and properly constructed gear from a number of armourers.

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Wed Nov 12, 2008 8:01 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: yikes not good
Replies: 26
Views: 1127

If you bought a product that is seriously defective and/or not as advertised, you should be able to return it. Perhaps it's time to call the Better Business Bureau, if he wont take these items back and return your money (less a restocking fee, probably.)

-Donasian.
by Derian le Breton
Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:24 pm
Forum: Armour - Design and Construction
Topic: 15ce ottoman plate/mail hawberk
Replies: 17
Views: 664

sorry I haven't posted pics yet. I have been traveling and it is a real bitch accecing sites in my location ( not to mention the problems with a(n?) Us passport in Iran) Donsian your pic p1000421 looks to be the same one I am coppying. Is that from Topkapı palaçe? Yep! From the arms and armou...
by Derian le Breton
Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:47 am
Forum: Historical Research
Topic: Mord's Conclusions: Viking Armour
Replies: 127
Views: 15050

Is Oakeshott's typology too high-level for a study of Viking arms?

-Donasian.

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