The Armour Archive

Need some help friends! (cross post with my Facebook page, sorry if you see it twice)

I am looking for a low cost English pot / lobster, or zischagge, helm that I intend to convert into a HEMA/SCA cut & thrust helm. Preferably in the $100 to $125 range.

I know that GDFB makes one, and there is another "generic" brand one. One is 16 gauge and one is 18 Guage (no idea which is which). And supposedly one is 26 " internal circumference, no reported size on the other. This info has been compiled from multiple websites, hence the chaotic information.

I have a large head 24.5" plus padding, so size is critical. And I would prefer a North American distributor.

So what do you all suggest?

Well, most indian/pakistani made helms run on the small side. Us larger headed guys (23.75" here) tend to SOL.

Considering your price especially. www.kultofathena.com has a few options that might be big enough. Mostly Sallets, and some visored bascinets. No ECW helms or Zischagge though. And almost none of them are in your $100 range.

So, a size 7 7/8 hat, comfortably. That's a big ripe melon all right.

Not finding any lobstertail pot on GDFB UK... good selection of sallets, at least one 15th-c. infantry-type helmet of the iron-clochehat-going-sallet type; nice but not what we're talking about.

Well, looking around the Net, I'm getting lost -- the other sellers, the purveyors of antiques, assorted price ranges, dead ends... got links to the GDFB offering and the other hat? Or any near-misses you might consider?

Is this the generic item? Mentions being of 16 gauge from this seller.

Konstantin the Red wrote: Is this the generic item? Mentions being of 16 gauge from this seller.

Just as an FYI, if that is the helm you are looking for, it would require a significant amount of modification to be SCA cut & thrust legal. LOTS of gaps on that helm (not the front. I know a mask goes there, but the sides and back).

Konstantin, that is the GDFB made one. If you look in the ad, you will see where is says the manufacturer name under the product code and just above the picture.

Irish, yes that is what I'm looking for. And yes, I understand the needed modifications. I've always just loved these helms for some reason.

Here is a link to one of the "generic ones", off ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121065378986?ss ... 1423.l2649