The Armour Archive

Johann ColdIron

The ones I did on a late period lobster pot had extensions of the top of the cheek plates that bore against the helmet bowl on the inside. That helps them limit how much they can be driven into your face. The odd tip strike that hits only on the cheek can move the plate. Every now and then I have to...

Johann ColdIron

I'm not sold on the Mandrakes being universally unsafe. And this is from a guy who sells a competing tip. I'm more of the school that weapons are inspected and passed/failed on an individual basis. Two guys can buy and attach the same kit and get different compression, it happens. Two marshals can ...

Johann ColdIron

Wade has a two piece bowl Burgonet that the sides don't remotely match up. The base of the crest at the top is off by around an inch!

The fit and finish that the reenactment community expects from modern armourers is not a period expectation for most stuff.

Johann ColdIron

At that point, do you think it could be chalked up to an artist keeping with the general theme of things? I can see no real reason to have a hinge in the cuff of a gauntlet. The cuff is defiantly big enough to fit a hand though If the whole suit was hinged it could possibly pack more flatly. My dem...

Johann ColdIron

Thank you all for the replies. I think peening from the outside will be the way to go. Konstantin, the rivets in question are brass two-piece rivets from Steffan Leather. The elbow and knee cops are 18-gauge stainless cops from Bokalo for SCA Cut and Thrust. I was using the rivets to attach leather...

Johann ColdIron

To do a neat job of peining on the outside, find or make a rivet-set. I say make because they're not as easy to get as they used to be. Not for solid rivets anyway. I'd follow up that a rivet set is a really easy thing to make. Find suitable stock like 1/2 rod or bar. Doesn't even have to be harden...

Johann ColdIron

Well, my experience has shown that for a decent looking SCA Burg. you will probably spend about $600 on the lower end. I'm sure you will find many armorers that will say they can make one cheaper. But, unless they have photo examples of other Burgs. they have done, I would steer away. Unless their ...

Johann ColdIron

I bought one of those small tank portable systems made for plumbers and other trades from a pawn shop for cheap. Came in a plastic carrier with accessories. It's a small regulator Victor. Over time I upgraded tanks to the next size up every time I needed gas. Worked my way up to 80's, I think. Large...

Johann ColdIron

This has one detail I hadn't seen before: http://www.allenantiques.com/A-247.html Would that be the hook for the right-front leather? Mac That's the one. The L or T shaped holes are more normal, at least on cheap stuff. It has been pretty aggressively "restored" by people who should know better, bu...

Johann ColdIron

In the last few weeks the Tudor Tailor ran a poll for people to decide which book would come into production next, Doublets of Defense or one on clothing of the common people called The Typical Tudor. I love both topics so I'm pleased either way, but the Typical Tudor overtook DoD in a dramatic fas...

Johann ColdIron

Dan, you and the rest of the folks need to update these links, for all of us up-and-coming Late Tudor enthusiasts! ;) How are Skyesutlers shirts compare to Bethlehem Trading Posts, from a period standpoint? Skysutlers seem less full, but hard to tell with the small pics. http://sykesutler.com/cloth...

Johann ColdIron

You expect symmetry to match the rest of the quality construction techniques? I suspect that it has been welded back together a few times after being beat on repeatedly. The crack on the left temple of the "visor" and the extra drilled holes ton increase visibility imply to me that was well used......

Johann ColdIron

Wade and I have talked about capped rivets alot. They are not too bad to make but it is a fiddly multi step process. I did some for the Augburg gorget I made a bit ago. The are covered mid third page on the gorget thread. http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=157286&hilit=augsbu...

Johann ColdIron

I have 0 practical experience with this but people in other industries use cold galvanizing compound on the non visible surface for a sacrificial anode. I've always thought it would be worth a shot. I've had poor luck with waxing surfaces. I prefer a spray oil like WD-40 or Balistoil in a well oile...

Johann ColdIron

Just found 'em. Anywhere from $200 to $600, apparently. Like anything else: early unmolested models and good condition rule the day. There are some collectors out there for everything. But there are a bunch of aftermarket parts out there. They get tarted up as much as the 10/22 Add in how many mags...

Johann ColdIron

Hi everyone! If this is in the wrong category, I'm terribly sorry, and I'll relocate if necessary. Anyway, for my school FFA SAE project (it's basically a business thing). Anyway, by December my teacher wants me to sell as much armor as possible, and I want to ask you what armor seems to sell the b...

Johann ColdIron

Thanks guys! for reference, here is the piece it was modeled after. its not an exactly rivet for rivet replica but it certainly captures the style. I got it for a great price from Jeffery and I'm happy to be able to pass that good fortune on to the next owner. That looks to be the Higgins Armoury. ...

Johann ColdIron

That is really frickin cool. They had really good control considering the mass involved. I wonder what the deal with the heavy strikes on the second plate on a rod were about. Rough size duplication?

Neat to see how they imbedded the rod to hang on to the work piece.

Johann ColdIron

The wrinkly look of the rear sides top, bottom and side edge strips make me wonder if they are not leather of some kind. Woven into the wood like that would make the thing more flexible and shatter resistant. Both sides edge binding also appear to have a thin piece of wood or reed bound under them. ...

Johann ColdIron

Wade, I think you may be right about that it does seem a bit shallow. How much of a bulge would you say that couter from your collection has? From the ones in Wades collection I have handled I'd say at least 1/4" to 3/8". You can see it here in http://www.allenantiques.com/images/A-96-wing.jpg . It...

Johann ColdIron

Clecos are not available here so I have nerver used them. I'll use rivet instead of screws. It has been suggested that I rivet the pinky side then finish the forming of the lames before doing the holes on the thumb side. When using rivets for temp articulation poke them outwards and add washers to ...

Johann ColdIron

So someone else beat you to a sale? How is that negative? The negative to me would be not coming back to a sale thread to update those people who have posted their interest that the gaunts were sold elsewhere? Not everyone is on facebook. Nor should you have to go hunting for info on a sale on othe...

Johann ColdIron

Yeah, we have run over more than one helm with my friends box van to alter their shape... For something that pretty you might not want to do that. :lol: Bottle jack, auto scissor jack like Zammerak mentioned, large throated vise or even a large rawhide mallet could do what you want. 5mm is not a lar...

Johann ColdIron

Lucian Ro wrote:Anyone have pictures they want to share?

MattyD's is totally cool.

I've posted mine before. Here you go.

[img][IMG]http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p181/JColdIron/WebHelm.jpg[/img][/img]

Johann ColdIron

I've modified a couple such for SCA rapier but would be hesitant to use them for C&T since most tend to be 18 gauge. Make sure they are of a sufficient thickness before you buy. My 2 cents. I converted an Indian burg to Rapier/C&T and used it safely for years. As long as you realize that it will de...

Johann ColdIron

Why would you wear them under a basket hilt? Under there you are just adding weight with no additional protection. If you are going to make armour- make armour to what ever spec you need to pass the rules of the game you play. Then you don't need the basket. ;) That said finding the exact tubes that...

Johann ColdIron

Steve S. wrote:Moral of the story: Only sell armour to dummies.

Steve

Or to those who can afford them!

Johann ColdIron

Mac wrote: If that seems like a lot of money, you have never tried making a torso cast.

Mac

LOL! After my experience I'd say it is money well spent...

Johann ColdIron

Electricity is no joke! Glad the rest of the system did what it was supposed to. A purpose made cord is always the best choice. Made up cords out of SJ cable and screw together ends really should only be temporary, though everyone does it. I certainly have. Enough yanks on the cord to pull it out of...

Johann ColdIron

They sell a great deal of rapier oriented stuff. Shirts with reinforced armpits, hoods, and doublets. All well made.

The things I have bought have held up.

Johann ColdIron

Ugo wrote:Forgot to post the back..

Is that Black Sabbaths "Saints and Sinners" Album cover?

Johann ColdIron

Just beautiful! I hope to see it in person some day, though detailed pics would be appreciated.

Johann ColdIron

Glad the thread was helpful to you Marco! It's why I take the time to write them up.

Johann ColdIron

The museum professional in me is cringing at the "artifact mount" holding the armour in those pictures.

Must have taught themselves to weld doing it!

Johann ColdIron

I think I may just need to do another one and forget about making an SCA helm and just try to make the piece as accurate as I can. The bar grill ruins the original lines of the faceplate if the above is your goal. I would suggest you shape the face to match the original out of plate, raised or weld...

Re: Hinged Cheek plate on SCA Helmet question.

Re: Mandrake Spear Tips

Re: Is good armour asymmetrical?

Re: is that a 'piano' hinge?

Re: Riveting, curved pieces, and tight spaces

Re: Riveting, curved pieces, and tight spaces

Re: Looking for Quotes on a Burgonet (w/ SCA Bar Grill) & Go

Re: What does your torch setup look like?

Re: Baltimore 2015 - come by?

Re: Breast & Back Plate Cheaper than a Jack of Plate?

Re: Non-Armor-Late Tudor Clothing needed

Re: Who made this helmet?

Re: Making my own rivets (am I crazy?)

Re: Care and Feeding of Non-Stainless - Possibly Stupid Ques

Re: Semi-OT: pricing a used pistol

Re: Important What armors sell the best?

Re: FS: Early 17th Century French Cuirassier Helmet

Re: Power Hammer

Re: Wicker shield

Re: Even MORE 16th century couters

Re: Forming late period gauntlets

Re: Stainless Mittens =-Sale-=

Re: Reshapeing a helmet

Re: Modified Indian-made helms for SCA Cut and Thrust?

Re: Modified Indian-made helms for SCA Cut and Thrust?

Re: Sawn Pipe Gadlings?

Re: Custom foam torso

Re: Custom foam torso

Re: Deferred maintenance

Re: Anyone familiar with Gipsy Peddler?

Re: Finished!!! Link to Completed "Ugroli" project.1/14/2015

Re: Link to Ugo's super seeecret project- aka-The Ugroli upd

Re: A tale of two elbows (Late 16th century, floating)

Re: New pics of an old corrazina. Analysis?

Re: stainless steel close helm again...