Review: Ironmonger Armour

[Glaukos the Athenian]

Gentles all,


I just received my "Early Sallet" from Eric Paetow at Ironmonger Armoury, and I thought I'd give all a preliminary review.

The Helmet was ordered in late October (early november?) with a deposit of about 1/6 of the total cost. It was scheduled to be ready in about 4 weeks, but Eric was swamped with pre-X-mas orders. Since I was not in a rush I did not mind, but check with Eric before ordering to ensure your timing and his work ok.

The helmet came packed in a carboard box, covered with several layers of shopping bags, and stuffed with newspapers. Since this is not Crystal, it was a very adequate packing job.

After socme checking I opend it and out came the helmet.

Here is the pic from the website(I will add mine later on)
(alt+P)

upon examination the words that came to mind were

FRIGGIN TANK. This thing is built very, very well, and in a sly and deceptive way, even without padding, it feels heavier on your hands than on your head.
My particular helmet was made out of Stainless, as it is the basis of the armor and I would be breathing inside of it in hot, humid Mid atlantic in the Summer. The finish was polished nicely without being excessive to the point of silliness.
The lines of this helmet are very pleasing to the eye, and with a very perverse satisfaction I noticed a hint of Darth Vader in the shape.
The design is such that one has perfect vision and ventilation for a helmet of this type, and the shape of the back covers the upper cervical vertebrae much better than a bascinet.

Eric was polite, responsive and professional, even though his email system is not that great. The best way to reach him on the web is via the questions page of his website. Something tells me he has an overly-aggressive virus and spam filter. Good for him.
He was even responsive enough to add (and he never charged me for it) an VERY nice plume holder on the back of the helmet.

I look forward to padding and strapping the helmet so I can provide a fuller review of the thing. I also look forward to getting hit over the head while wearing this helmet this upcoming season. My experience, and the product I received make me recommend Eric and Ironmonger Armoury wholeheartedly.
Here is his website.

http://www.ironmongerarmory.com/

Give him a chance, I think you will not be disappointed.

Rowan of Needwood

[Benedek]

I don't think this is quite what I am looking for. How easily removed is the grill. I want to be able to remove it for living history events where a bar grill is not accurate. It does look like a wonderful helm.

I do appreciate the information, thanks.

[Stonekeep]

Hes one of the good, safe places to buy helms, tools, dishing forms, etc....

[Glaukos the Athenian]

Benedek,

You may try to discuss with him a different way to attach the grille, like a top hinge besides the back strap.

The problem as I see it, is that there aren't many early or "archer's" sallets out there that are made for SCA combat. Most out there are 18 gauge (ouch!) and made for "garb" purposes only.

You may have to buy a cheapie $35-50 one on ebay as garb, and the helm that you like best for actual use.

Just my two groats.

Rowan

I don't think this is quite what I am looking for. How easily removed is the grill. I want to be able to remove it for living history events where a bar grill is not accurate. It does look like a wonderful helm.

I do appreciate the information, thanks.

[Roibeard MacNeill]

I second the review of Ironmonger. Eric is fantastic to deal with and he stays to schedule about 90% of the time...things do happen. His helms are built like tanks, as Rowan said. He built me a custom slat-back bascinet to fit around my sports goggles and his prices are very reasonable. I couldn't be happier with the helm. The pic below was taken before I heat blued it and put the heavy fabric drape covering up the slats and down the bargrille.

Sorry for the pic quality...I had to take it with my camcorder because my digital camera died.