Couple of simple, yet important questions

To discuss research into and about the middle ages.

Moderator: Glen K

Post Reply
User avatar
spanish_hospitaller
Archive Member
Posts: 189
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:34 pm
Location: Barony of the Flame

Couple of simple, yet important questions

Post by spanish_hospitaller »

Im attempting to make my own gambeson, and in doing so I have to decide how thickI want it to be.

With the average thickness of cotton batting roughly 1/4", how thick would you suggest it to be?

I want it to be realisticly thick, yet im not planning to fight, so it wont need to save me from blows.

And second question, more curiosity than anything, how were saxon/conic helmets secured to the head so they would not fall off?

Chinstraps of some sort?

in peace and humbly,
Maese Adulfus Rojas de la Cavada
(Hector Rojas)

Quia vero omnia vestra sustentationibus pauperum et peregrinorum debent cedere ac per hoc nullatenus ea aliis usibus convenit applicari
User avatar
Blackoak
Archive Member
Posts: 3268
Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2005 4:33 pm
Location: New Orleans, LA

Post by Blackoak »

If you are not fighting in the gambeson, 2 layers would make a decent appearance. Take into account the weather in your area and you may want it thinner/thicker based on temperature.

Conical helmets can have a simple leather strap on each side that you bow-tie under your chin. There are more detailed ways, but I don't have any referrences while at work, sorry.

Uric
The monkey must come out!
User avatar
Bob H
Archive Member
Posts: 21273
Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2001 1:01 am
Location: Tri-Cities, TN
Contact:

Post by Bob H »

I'm guessing that your period of interest is 12th-13thC medieval. You might look at the images here to help you decide:

http://www.keesn.nl/mac/mac_en.htm
Post Reply