The Armour Archive

Hi,
Does this pot helm have a crease on the face plate and on the middle hoop (front)? Id would be great if someone could tell me. Thanks

http://helmschmiedt.narod.ru/pot_helm.htm

-Barry

Barry,
Several archivers have made this helm. I believe the general consensus was no crease in the face plate, but I believe at least one person did put a central crease in their helm. I can't remember who it was, though.

Barry,
After taking another look at the site, it sure looks creased to me!

I've made three of these helms. I think it looks best when it is creased.

Thanks guys! Im just making this helmet and while curling the front I started thinking was it creased or not and now I know. Thanks again!

-Barry

Most of the info we have on this style of helm is from effigys and illuminations etc. However I have seen a picture of one surviving helm, it is in the netharlands military museum I believe and it does not have a creased face plate. However that could be up to the discretion of the armour as I would not think 1 helm would be a good overall representation.

Regards
GeneP

OK, I'm a little confused by the "tail". For the connection at the edge of the face, it would have to be in the same plane and follow the leading lines of the crown/pot and faceplate. Wouldn't the actual shape of the piece have to be fairly complex in order to also achieve the "extension" or sweep shown at the center back? I just may not be able to visualize this correctly, but the starting shape eludes me. If it can be done without too much hassle, though, it looks like it would make a great adaptation for SCA combat, since attaching a drape that looks like the wearer is sporting a coif and hiding the necessary wrapper plate would be much easier under the "eave" created by the tail.

With regards... AoC

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by carlyle:
<B>OK, I'm a little confused by the "tail". For the connection at the edge of the face, it would have to be in the same plane and follow the leading lines of the crown/pot and faceplate. Wouldn't the actual shape of the piece have to be fairly complex in order to also achieve the "extension" or sweep shown at the center back? I just may not be able to visualize this correctly, but the starting shape eludes me. If it can be done without too much hassle, though, it looks like it would make a great adaptation for SCA combat, since attaching a drape that looks like the wearer is sporting a coif and hiding the necessary wrapper plate would be much easier under the "eave" created by the tail.

With regards... AoC</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Carlyle,
I think you will find that the "eave" on the back of this helm does not maintain a constant angle with the upper back portion. It either gradually transitions to vertical from the back to the front or it sharply twists in between the ear and the face plate.

If you were to cut a starting piece with a consistant angle out of cardboard and hold it to a nearly complete helm, you should notice that a subtle twist will bring the edge in line. Mark the card-board with the new geometry and cut the steel to that instead.

I love this style helm but the difficulty of putting a solid plate (or vendal style bars)under maile is often a pain in the neck. The eave does however give a nice explanation for the required rear rivets.

Sean