The Armour Archive

It is now 9:30pm on Sunday night. At 5:30 this morning my 15 year old son and I piled in my car and drove the 2 1/2 hours to see Lewis Moore of Knights Armoury. I had ordered a set of 3/4 legs (I'd originally planned to make them myself, but time is running a little short on me here so I ordered them from Lewis) and we were planning to make some other things. I'd made the trip a couple of weeks ago to build my new helmet.

Unfortunately some of the pictures were damaged in transit, but here are the pics I have just now. Please feel free (I'm asking for you) to comment. I made everything but the legs, with some technical help from Lewis (Ok, he fixed all of my screw ups or told me how to fix them)

First, my helmet, lumpy piece of crap, but it should keep my head in one piece. I've still to add the camail which is in production at this time.

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01831.JPG[/img]

Sorry the pic is dark, the good pics of it didn't make the transition.

My leg harness (Lewis made these for me) Not my work but ain't they purty???

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01835.JPG[/img]

Another dark one (sorry)

My spaulders. I made these using Lewis' pattern. I love the way they look, I love the way they feel and the way the move. I'd never actually done sliding rivets before. Tons of fun to make.

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01832.JPG[/img]

My arm harness from the front side. Unfortunately the articulation doesn't show as well as I would like. I should have put the other arm in the pic and turned it around.

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01833.JPG[/img]

And finally the whole thing laid out including a much better view of the helmet.

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01837.JPG[/img]

Still to do is my segmented breastplate, grieves, sabatons, gauntlets and gorget.

And finally because I'm really really proud of him, my son made these plates for his harness which is based around a CoP today. All of this is his work. It may be a bit early to tell yet, but I think he shows some promise.

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01844.JPG[/img]

All of this is very worthy. Many the year I have myself not had armor like this, until this year. I like the shape of the couters--they should serve you well. I myself suffered grete injury at the blows of men at arms on my elbow, for having a too shallow elbow cop.

Obtain for yourself some greaves, man. For the kind of helmet you have, they should be full greaves, of steel, at the least in the front, and behind, as well, if you can afford it.

And I for my part deem your son's work worthy also. How old is he?

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

My good lord Jehan de Pelham, esquire, fair greetings.

Sure I thank you for your kind words they are as music sweet in mine ear.

Faith I did construct the arm harness with every intent of matching the deep and gentle lines of the leg harness, and struck I think not too far from the mark. Though in all good conscience I must confess that without the good offices of that good armourer I fear to have fallen far short of the mark I had set.

Aye by my troth good encased greaves are next upon the list of that which I have yet to fashion to complete this harness, thence sabatons, cuirass and gauntlets, which as time shall serve and I may complete will anon share with this good company, and all shall be fashioned of good steel and as strong as I am able.

My son, God be thanked for him for he is a blessing to his mother and I along with his four siblings, hath seen 15 winters since he were born on the eve of our Lord's mass, and stand he full six feet of lithe limb and sinew. As he and I did traverse the byways upon our journey this day we did bear gentle discourse as to the virtues of chivalry and the teachings of Froissart and de Charny to whit did he listen with all rapt attention and cunning thought as to question to the point with sober judgement and discernment.

Once again I do thank you for your kind words and pray that God and His angels keep you safe and in bright spirits.

A couple of more pics now with me armed with what I have done so far. I'm going to modify the maille hauberk by shortening the sleeves. When I've done that I'll point the spaulders to the sleeves of the hauberk and hang the whole over the upper cannon of my arm harness which will be pointed to my gambeson. I'm also going to shorten the maille a bit, possibly as high as the top of where the split is now.

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01841.JPG[/img]

Here's a good view of the arm and shoulder and how they move.

[img]http://www.forgewyrks.com/Portals/488a446e-4586-4c72-8f30-29cc2039cfbf/DSC01842.JPG[/img]

My appologies if I have bored anyone with these, I just wanted to share what I'd been up to.

How can anyone be bored with pictures of an awesome harness coming together? Thanks for sharing!


JP

'Tis fine work and most inspiring to see it coming together so quickly.

I also note that your command of the "high speech", as Sir Vitus so aptly calls it, is improving with practice. It does tend to grow on you as you spend time steeping your mind in the thoughts and words of our noble forefathers. It is all too easy to force this mode of speech and end up sounding as if one had swallowed Will Shakespeare whole and not managed to digest him, but with practice and more reading the words begin to roll trippingly off the tongue.

My good lords I thank you.

I am well pleased with the dirction my harness has taken. Finally after many years of playing I'm going to get the harness I've always wanted. It is truly a labour of love for me and a great learning experience. I've never made a bascinet before, and this one I think has come out pretty well. My only real concern is that being so well armed I'm afraid I will struggle with calling blows. The only thing I can do in this regard as far as I can see is make every effort to be aware, and to remind my opponent that if they hit me with what they consider to be a telling blow and I don't call it to bring it to my intention for it is not my intent to sluff blows in any regard.

m'Lord Maelgwyn

'tis a skill which as is so oft the case grows when used, and as the blushing blossum whither when 'tis ignored. Thus before this company I profess my intent that from this point onward no word of mine shall be read herein save that it be in that speech which is both noble and gentle and falleth sweetly upon the ear thus that by fits and starts may I withall give kind regard and gentle discourse to this noble company in all humble and confirmed countenance.

Thus, I remain in service to crown and society,

Well I have no command of this "high speech", but I still have to say it is looking really good! I too, vote for the full greaves as appropriate to the rest of the harness. I can see why you want to shorten the sleeves of the haulberk, but don't go to high on the skirt that you open yourself up.

By God's beard...this will be impressive. Don't give up.

Cailean

Looks great! If only the SCA looked so good . BTW the CoP looks awesome, it got the correct shape that eludes so many people, I want a new CoP just like that one.

I do thank you one and all for your kind and generous praise of my efforts. It is a happy circumstance that puts me close enough to m'lord Lewis Moore that he can correct my miss steps, and set aright my fumbling about. I cannot withall give thanks enough for his kind and generous aid in my endeavor. I tell thee truly that I am much heartened by the success of this venture to date and do hope that by the first of July to once again be able to take the field in mine completed harness.

I shall pray once again upon your patience lords as I unfold what I have planned for the remains of my effort.

Using such patterns as Master Cad hath graciously made available in this forum I shall endeavor to fashion full enclosed greaves such that shall match the rest of mine leg harness. This I deem to be the most difficult of the challenges that do remain for these complex shapes shall not yield methinks easily to the hammer.

Next shall come sabatons of many plates a covering mine turnshoes.

Thence an breastplate of good steel fashioned after the style of the Churburg.

And in conclusion gauntlets wrought to free the motions of each finger from its mates and yet protect from any stout blow of sword or axe.

(Note: I'm doing a camail to hang from the bascinet, and I will have a spring type steel gorget underneath)

Anon it is my purpose to have all finished ere the month of June gives way to July that I may once again take field to share such feats of arms as are mete for those of noble birth in chivalry and brotherly love to undertake.

m'lord James, I give thee thanks for thy kind words. My son doth give my good ladywife and myself much cause for thankfulness, and his eagerness to complete his own harness and take the field for training in deeds of arms upon his birthday next and his care and sober study of the chivalric writings of our forbears do give me much joy and happiness.

Unto gentle Cailean,

'Tis a fine garniture for certes.

I have but one question, if I may make so bold, what provision have you made beyond a haubergeon over an arming doublet? I fear you will need yet more to protect you against arrowfire and bolts, from which God keep you. Perhaps you have a pair of plates, or mayhap even a corrazina of Milan well-nayled, or a brigandine with plackart under your jupon?

Unto the right and honorable guardian of the Holy Sepulchre warmest greetings and thus I salute you.

I do thank you for your kind and gentle words as much as for your care of my person and for this frail and worthless trunk.

Certes, it is my thought to fashion of good steel an breastplate in the style of the Churborg segmented plate, this will I wear o're that haubergeon of fine rings withall to protect mine feeble and frail organs from lance and dart of war.

Cailean,
It does my heart good to see a fellow meridian doing such a great 14th century impression. Keep up the good work and continue to learn from our good man Lewis. He is a natural and hell of a craftsmen. You are well on your way as well. You have inspired me to update my harness as well. If you are ever in the mobile are give me a shout. I would love to cross swords with you in friendship.
In Service,
Alexander

Britehelm wrote:Cailean,
It does my heart good to see a fellow meridian doing such a great 14th century impression. Keep up the good work and continue to learn from our good man Lewis. He is a natural and hell of a craftsmen. You are well on your way as well. You have inspired me to update my harness as well. If you are ever in the mobile are give me a shout. I would love to cross swords with you in friendship.
In Service,
Alexander

my good lord sure I thank you for your kind words. If my faltering course hath made example such to inspire then we shall rejoice therefore in happy rememberence and be glad for it. In faith thou speakest true in regard to the good smith, for he hath much skill and artistry in cunningly wrought harness of good steel, and o're and above that skill with which God hath blessed him an good man and I may flatter myself to call him friend.

It is my intent to once again after long absence take the field ere the month of July doth pass and having or is to be hoped some semblance of my former skill at arms do plan to enter into the list fields not later than the month of October. At any hour pleasing to you it would be my honour and pleasure to cross blades with thee and perform such feats of arms as are pleasing to God, right and noble for gentlemen of honor, and for the honor and glory of those good ladies who do inspire our hearts.

May the blessings of heaven sit lightly upon thy brow betwixt now and that happy hour. By my semblence, "Quarterly gules and azure a bend argent between two lions rampant or," may you know me my good lord and if e're you see the guarding lions de Sincleur I pray you be welcome at my table where I may greet you as a true contryman and brother in all things honourable and filled with chivalric virtue.

With all due respect to Cailean, T-Bob, and various other practitioners of the "High Speak", please keep in mind that this is a discussion forum, and if we can't understand you, it kinda defeats the purpose.

So, while flowery, poetic doggerel, might be fun, it may if overdone, lead to folks like myself bypassing your posts for something legible.

Will probably cross-post this as its own thread...

gentle youth, it is with sad heart that I must protest, your reproof is something too round. Therefor be it mete I say ...

[sticks his tongue out at Matt]

spoilsport.

I was thinking exactly the same thing as Matt and I am sadly also bypassing these post. Sorry.

Pad

Two thoughts come to mind:

1. Hate You! Hate You!

2. Now that I have unloaded my spleen of envy about your abilities, I can only sigh and seek inspiration. I am at the beginning of my own attempts to armour (a new verb?) and I most especially like the hounskull! I'm currently so disqusted with my problems in developing a pattern that fits for my splinted leather legs to be that I can only be in awe of one capable of producing such an excellent artifact. Sigh, this crawl before you can walk process sucks.

BTB, I was just repadding my SCA standard top with grill last night and was wondering, how do you pad a hounskull? I would guess more or less the same way, but isn't it harder to get inside the thing to work?

Signing off, in a state of envy and admiration, - beautiful work!!! Don't supose you've ever concidered moving to Arizona so I can sit and watch? It's only supposed to hit 100 today

Repeat of previous comment with additions.

I am truly sorry Matt and Padrig if our adventures into the "high speech" have offended you in any way, that certainly was not my intent. Rather, my intent was to set a tone and create an atmosphere of medievalism with the idea of helping myself and others to grow.

Once again my appologies gentlemen.

Regards,

1. I know (well hope anyway) that you meant that in jest, but in all candor please don't judge yourself in my crucible. My first fighter practice was in the summer of 1984, almost 20 years ago. I have been active off and on in the SCA for almost 20 years. Armouring (perfectly acceptable verb) was the second thing I tried my hand at, the first being fighting.

2. It's not so much ability as it is persistance. I can't recall how many times I've flung something I was working on because it wouldn't fit or shape properly so it got hurled into the trash bin amidst much cursing.

Last Sunday while I was working on the spaulders, one of them I just could not get to dish right. Lewis ran is fingers over the face of it and pointed to a spot inside and said, "Hit it there." I put it back on the dish and hit it where he told me and voila. The moral of the story it's mostly about practice and persistence.

I have patterns for splinted legs that are dead simple to make. If you'll send me your measurements I'll adjust the patterns to fit you and send copies right away. Seriously, the hardest part about these patterns is assembling the leg, and if you have an extra set of hands to help you that's not bad.

I padded my hounskull the exact same way that I had padded my old bar grille one. One thing I've noticed is that the hounskull is understandably nose heavy, but I expect that when I get the camail on it that it will help balance it a little better. I don't plan to flip the visor up as a rule I just slip the whole thing over my head. I don't unbuckle my chinstrap but just slip it off of my chin. It's kind of hard to explain, but I'll try to come up with a way to show you what I mean.

I will go just about anywhere that I can find someone who needs a senior / lead java developer and is willing to pay the sticker price. I like Arizona, I haven't been there in a bunch of years, but I liked it out there. Seemed to mee that the sunlight was VERY bright.

Signing off in brotherly affection and commradeship.

Akmatov wrote:Two thoughts come to mind:

1. Hate You! Hate You!

2. Now that I have unloaded my spleen of envy about your abilities, I can only sigh and seek inspiration. I am at the beginning of my own attempts to armour (a new verb?) and I most especially like the hounskull! I'm currently so disqusted with my problems in developing a pattern that fits for my splinted leather legs to be that I can only be in awe of one capable of producing such an excellent artifact. Sigh, this crawl before you can walk process sucks.

BTB, I was just repadding my SCA standard top with grill last night and was wondering, how do you pad a hounskull? I would guess more or less the same way, but isn't it harder to get inside the thing to work?

Signing off, in a state of envy and admiration, - beautiful work!!! Don't supose you've ever concidered moving to Arizona so I can sit and watch? It's only supposed to hit 100 today

Most Gentle Lord,
I pray you continue to share with us your adventures into 'high speech'. In an era in which 'crap speech' is becoming more and more the norm, gentile and polite speech is a thing to be aplauded and encouraged. No apology should be felt called for on the part of gentleman who strive to model his speech on the pattern of the period of our mutual interest.

Wilhelm

No need to apollogize, I was not offended.

Pad

I think that to be polite I will confine the use of high speech to the philosophy forum where it most likely applies more readily.

Calls to mind a funny anecdote where in I was gigged on a performance review at a job because my vocabulary was "Too large" and that made me difficult to communicate with. Just had to laugh over that one.

I was surprised and touched at the thoughtfulness and extent of your reply. But perhaps I shouldn't have been, you have demonstrated yourself in past exchanges to be most thoughtful and supportive. Thank you.

And I most surely spoke in total jest about the 'hate you' part

I don't really judge my current poor efforts against the excellent work I see here, but I do find inspiration and encouragement in work such as yours. I am something of an old geezer who is coming to the SCA, and at least some of the side paths it encourages, quite late. However, at this time there is a huge hole in my life and I see so many things I want to explore which the SCA encourages and the comradeship is something I haven't seen since I left the Army. One of those things I'm interested in is armouring. Another of those is fighting. It is such a totally basic type of activity which takes me out of the 21st century into a faint and teneuous, but I think real, communion with a long, long line of ancestors in helmet with shield and sword.

Thanks for the comment about persistance. I'm so new at this that I'm still fighting my way out of loaner armour - and last time I fought the worst and bloodiest wounds I got were from carnivorous knees trying to eat the flesh off my shins. I think I've been trying too hard and aiming too high for my current skill level for a first fighting harness. Last night I got disquested with how long it was taking to not get very far and stripped my expectations down to what can I throw together that will just work. I was up until 1.00 taking a set of half legs I was loaned on very long term basis apart and rebuilding them with new straps, pads and a single steel splint down the thigh. Not even close to what I'm striving for, but I can wear them tonight and crude as they are they will protect me, not try to eat my flesh and they buy me the time to work on a better set. Sometimes I need to lower my sights and tackle projects that are completable in a more reasonable time.

Thanks for the info on the hounskull. My 'dream harness' is mid to late 14th century German and I have to have a hounskull. I am very attracted to the style for some reason, it looks very ominous and authentic somehow. And last fighter practice after my left flanker took off on his own, I was flanked and took a spear in the grill that was so hard it knocked me to the ground. I now see the lines of the hounskull as very, very practical!

Your offer of help with the splinted legs is very much appreciated and I hasten to take advantage of your kindness. What measurements would you need?

Signing off with great appreciation of the brotherly affectioin and comradeship offered,

You are most welcome Akhmatov, we are all brothers in arms even those we've never met all linked by spirit of nobility and by pursuit of the chivalric ideal.

There is so much beautiful armour work done here that I can only hope some day to approach. I consider my attempts at best to be the bumbling of an amature to emulate his betters, but it serves my purposes and I enjoy doing it.

Ok, now to measurments. Since we're talking about a leg harness I need

1. Circumferance of your thigh at your crotch
2. Circumferance of your thigh 2" above your knee (that's 2" above the middle of the patella)
3. Inseam from crotch to inside anklebone
4. Inseam from crotch to the middle of the knee
5. Circumferance of your calf at it's widest point (For most people it's about 2/3 - 3/4 of the way from the floor to the knee)
6. Distance from the ankle to where the measurement for #5 was taken
7. Circumferance of your ankle with your combat footwear on.

The hardest part from a metal working standpoint is the shaping of the knee cop(s) as they are dished and flared.

If you will please email me your address and the measurements I'll make the patterns and send them to you. My scanner isn't big enough to handle these. Email addy is in my signature below.