The Armour Archive

I guess that all the partying I did in high school did more damage than I anticipated, but I'm having a hard time calculating my head measurements for a 14th century bascinet. the first one I attempted seemed too shallow and didn't seem to have enough room for my huge cranium. I'm attempting one where the skull is formed in two halves and welded together. I guess that the lower edge comes down just below the ears but I'm not sure how to measure from the lower edge to the center join and how much extra I would need to add in the top for it to sit up off my head and make the point. My head is pretty standard in size 23 in. around approx. 8.75 front to back and 7.5 side to side. If anyone can figure out where I'm going wrong it would be much appreciated, my scrap pile is getting bigger. thanx

Make a form over your head with two layers of 3/8 foam. (camp pad)
1 band over top, one band over the sides, and a brow band just above your ears.

This will give you your head, plus 3/4 padding. In a way you can measure.

Have you tried making a mock-up out of cardboard first? Much cheaper than metal, can "dish" (ish) moderately well, and when you get one that works, you can press it flat as a pattern for your metal.

do you have a practice in making of such type of helmets?

thanks for the advice I'll give both ideas a try and see what happens. Andrej, my first attempt...kinda. I just play in my garage , I'm not a member of any groups I just have a fascination for armour and thought it would be fun to try making some.

Are you trying to create a pattern yourself, or are you trying to resize an existing pattern?

The idea of making a foam liner first is a great one. Halberd suggested using aluminum foil and molding it to fit. I have tried this when I repadded my bascinet and it got me close enough that I did not waste a lot of foam. I also did the same with my bascinet that has a linen liner...

I originally was trying to re size an existing pattern,I think it was one of Sinric's. After the great advice I got from the Forum I think I will form my own pattern out of the foam and take it from there. It would have saved a lot of time and screw ups if I had someone else to take the measurements for me. Maybe I'll twist my wife's arm next time. thank you all for your advice the tinfoil one sounds promising too.

if interestingly, I will make attempt stage-by-stage take picture making of half of helmet, and to describe basic steps and difficulties.

that would be great Andrej. I should have jumped on this forum a long time ago!

Well, on Monday, we, one as-time, start making new Sallet.

By the way, and which one bacinet you wish to do, Post link or photo.