Shiny or rusted?

miscreant · Post by **miscreant** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 11:46 pm

Portraying an English archer 1460's to 1470's. I've got an open face sallet. Should I allow a little rust to take it over for a more authentic look or should I keep it nice and shiny?

Gerhard von Liebau · Post by **Gerhard von Liebau** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 12:09 am

Don't let it rust. Just don't polish the hell out of it, either. Keep it clean. It'll develop a natural, rustless patina that is probably the most accurate for a rank-and-file portrayal. This stuff was expensive for people to afford. You think they just let them rust? I have a hard time believing it.

-Gerhard

chef de chambre · Post by **chef de chambre** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 5:06 am

Since campaigns of the Wars of the Roses were over in weeks, rusty isn't believable.

Primvs Pavlvs · Post by **Primvs Pavlvs** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 6:22 am

Why not paint it with a period scheme?

Heath B fraychef · Post by **Heath B fraychef** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 11:48 am

Gerhard von Liebau wrote:Don't let it rust. Just don't polish the hell out of it, either. Keep it clean. It'll develop a natural, rustless patina that is probably the most accurate for a rank-and-file portrayal. This stuff was expensive for people to afford. You think they just let them rust? I have a hard time believing it.

-Gerhard

i agree with Gerhard here.
i find it hard to believe that anyone would simply let their armor rust when their lives actuall may depend on them.

Thomas Powers · Post by **Thomas Powers** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 12:03 pm

Also---what are you going to do in the evenings sitting around the fire? Taking care of your equipment is a natural to keep your hands occupied while you listen to folks shooting the bull.

Thomas