The Armour Archive

Hello!
I have a question: How were the extremely high crested helmets of the15th/16th centuries made? e.g. the helmet of George Clifford. I saw a helmet or 2 in Chicago which had been done in 2 pieces with the crest rolled, could they have used brazing? It would take some insane raising to do that.
Thanks!
Archie

I've seen both techniques for the high-crested helmets, raised and rolled. I was told from a reliable source that the rolled ones were brazed, but I don't know if this was always done. Normally it's pretty clear which technique was used.

Raising one of these helmets would take more time than a cervelliere, but I doubt it would be considered an insane amount of work compared to e.g. a barbute. Once you have the overall depth it's all pretty straightforward (I think, I've never tried a morion).

In the latter portion of the 16th C, you do get helmets done in 2 pieces. This becomes more common as time goes on, esp. in the 17thC when they aren't making really good armor anyway.