These are pics that Jackie sent me before the helmet was fully completed. The finished piece has holes drilled for an aventail (which I requested), and ornamental rivets, so that the faceplate looks riveted on. I didn't request this, and they weren't on the gallery sample I referred to when ordering, but Jackie must have figured out from our communications that this is something I'd appreciate.
Was quoted 3-5 weeks working time. Sent deposit on Oct. 5th and received helm on Oct. 23rd.
In many years of drifting in and out of SCA, I have been searching for a helm that would fit my persona, and function well in rattan combat. This puppy is like a dream come true. With an aventail on it, it will look dead on for the first decade of the 13th cent. and I expect great performance out of it, as it one big glancing surface.
If you are looking for a 12th to 13th century list-legal helm, Shamrock should be the first place you look. Instead of a token barrel and Norman Nasal tossed in with the Spangens and Bascinets, Jackie actually has a range of examples that fit this period. Plus he is very easy to work with, as far as fine-tuning the helm to your specifications.
For about the price of an off the shelf helm from other armouries, I got a custom hat that fits like a glove, and has all the features I want.
Jackie was awesome to deal with, and I can't wait to get the coin together to order some gauntlets from him. From my experience, Shamrock Armoury understands the mantra "under-promise, over-deliver."
All 5s on the Freiman scale