The Armour Archive

Hey folks,

I've run across pictures from this fellow's Flickr account a few times as I perused the web... Figured I'd share for those who haven't seen what he's got going on. He's put together some pretty decent living history impressions, and seems to concentrate on several in particular and has done a fine job. I'm wondering if anyone around here may know the fellow? I have a feeling that his love of Albion blades and extensive armor purchases from Mercenary's Tailor make him a MyArmoury typa' guy...

In any case, I'm impressed! 444 photos in his "My Medieval Vision" set. Worth a peek.

-Gregory

Hmmmm..... could not say I know him. He sure has awesome harnesses together and other items.

RPM

xyz

I book marked him a long while ago; I agree, his stuff is awesome.

He and I have been emailing for a little while. He's a family practitioner in Ohio. I'll see if he's okay with him to post his name. Awesome guy. Awesome gear.

Greetings all,

Miscreant sent me a message about this discussion. Thank you all for your generous comments. I do try to be as accurate as possible in my knightly interpretations, agonizing over such details as buckles and scabbard mounts. I don't count threads or demand hand-stitching on my gambeson or surcoat. I don't have the time or inclination to be that anal. My wife already thinks I am crazy enough to concern myself over mail ventails and such as I already do.

You fellas have me pegged though. I am one of those nobody-makes-swords-better-than-Albion Sword Forum types with a copy of Oakeshott sitting beside me on my desk at all times. Strangely enough, I have never posted on that forum nor have I contacted Chad Arnow who lives in my hometown of Cincinnati if I am not mistaken.

This is partly due to being busy, as we all are. Also I have enjoyed reading the postings on Sword Forum without participating out of conscious decision. There is always someone who wants to argue their superior grasp of Oakeshott's typology or flaunt some type of sword-snobbery. I've been tinkering around with making swords since I was 13 years old, so I know a good blade from a craftsmanship point of view. To the "martial artists" I'm sure I am but a "casual practitioner" or "reenactor". So I have just remained a lurker.

I founded my Flickr page initially to showcase my amazing wife. I then started posting some of my reenactment photos and got a bit of response from all over the world which was kind of cool. Flickr became my sounding board for rambling about swords, armor, and medieval history. Obviously some of you have noticed that already.

My name is Joe and I'm happy to talk to anyone who wants to geek out over medieval armor.

Thanks again and thanks for the invite Miscreant!

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!! I am formely of FINNYTOWN!

Hugh, I'm honored that my post has inspired your presence here! You will certainly be a welcome addition to the forums, and I think you will find that your knowledge and patience with the arts of research and development in your recreations are more than worthy of admiration. So show it off!

Cheers!

-Gregory

Glad you made it Joe!! Your knowledge will add greatly to this forum.

Good job and kudos!

Welcome! You've got some nice looking kits!

-Derian.

Thanks for the hospitality good Sirs.

To correct myself above, it is myArmoury.com that I haunt more often than sword forum. I do enjoy the reviews and photographs that really help in making an informed decision on buying a sword, especially nice when it a higher-end blade.

As for my discussion, I wouldn't call myself shy or hesitant to share knowledge. I've done lectures and presentations on knighthood for groups ranging from children's birthday parties to university classes and the local historic society.

I would say that my grasp of the history of knighthood, arms, and armor is pretty solid, but I am in no way an expert. I don't have time to read every book printed on the subject, although I do buy many of them and they sit on display in my office to someday be read:)

Anyhow, the point I'm making is that I'm glad to contribute to this forum. A friend of mine who does fifteenth century mounted knightly interpretation once told me that one of the reasons he and I get along is because neither of us feel the need to prove which of knows more about <whatever>.

My interest in this stuff is an inexplicable lifelong passion. I study it because I have always loved it and probably always will. I tell people all the time that I will be climbing into armor for events as long as I am fit enougn to wear it. If I become unfit then that will be a big motivator for me to get back in shape!

There is always something new to learn. A young girl corrected me a couple years ago as I was telling somebody that a spiked flail was called a morning star. She probably just joined that reenactment group and was wearing some basic soft kit. I was clad from head to toe in fourteenth century transition armor. Anyway I went home and looked it up and she was right! I meant to thank her a year later, but she was no longer there.

So long as my wife keeps calling me the "Period Nazi" I know I must be keeping up to my geek standard.

As Arnold once said, "Enough talk!"

Correct me if I'm wrong but your home seems to be decorated by Design Toscano I do love that magazine, and a lot of your surcotes seem to be from Museum Replicas. Do you also purchase from any other manufactures such as Historic Enterprises?

Maghnus mac an Ghabhann
who appreciates your tastes

welcome! your stuff looks great!

Hugh FitzHamilton wrote:You fellas have me pegged though. I am one of those nobody-makes-swords-better-than-Albion Sword Forum types with a copy of Oakeshott sitting beside me on my desk at all times. Strangely enough, I have never posted on that forum nor have I contacted Chad Arnow who lives in my hometown of Cincinnati if I am not mistaken.

Hugh,
I'd love to get together some time. Feel free to look me up, send me a PM, etc.

very nice!

Welcome and well come, Hugh Fitzhamilton, m/k/a Joe the Doctor! May your stay with us be long and profit you much.

I'm sure you've noticed much of the emphasis here is on the metal-bending, grinder grime under the fingernails end of armor doings. SCAdians and onetime SCAdians make up a majority here, but we get simply everyone -- we've correspondents as far-flung as Thailand and Ukraine, with stops in the Low Countries, Germany, and Czech Republic. Artisans, consumers, chatty folks. We even have an asbestos-lined Political Conversations forum... works well as a spleen spigot!

Welcome Hugh! I met you a few years ago at an Ohio viking fest. Your kit impressed me greatly! Looking at the Flikr account just shows me how awesome your kit is! You sir, are an inspiration!

Keep it up!

Greetings all,

My apologies for not responding to each of you individually or until now. I have five children and a busy practice so I barely have time to do anything on the internet aside from what I get time to do in split second intervals. Ha!

Anyhow, thank you for the compliments and the welcome here. I'm sure I find myself in good like-minded company.

On that note I would direct you to my afore-linked photos to see a rare and wonderful gathering of knights at the sixth annual Fisher's Faire this past Saturday. I'm not wearing anything new, but I did take a fun prop along.

Enjoy and well met all!

Joe