I've got a huge head... Spangen type thing.

[Lance de Wroclaw]

No, really!

For high school football, they had to get a pro helmet to fit my melon!

I'm working on my first spangen, and just finished up the measurements.

The plates will have to be 7 7/8th each at the bottom, about the same tall, and the rim will have to be about 32 inches wide. This gives me some room for padding and what not, but I really had to enlarge the patterns I've found (much love to Alan Bauldree A.B. Hammer Armoury) to do this.

I've made a paper mock up. Looks rather silly, but it fits.

Still working on a plate for the back of the head, and faceplate. I'd like to actually be able to use this thing, so it's got to be functional. I'm using 16 gauge all over (it's what I've got on hand), so it should be rather sturdy.

It may not fit any particular period, but I will make this thing work. I'll upload patterns and pics for you to point and giggle about as I get them scanned in.

And yes, I am wearing the silly paper hat as I type this.

[Vasilii]

If this is for SCA combat you may want to boost your gauge a bit, unless you are really fond of pounding out dents. I know it is technically legal but I don't know if I would trust my melon to 16ga.

[Halberds]

Like this.
I could not believe the numbers Will gave me.
But the client is always right.



Have fun making your spangen.
And yes we like pics.

Hal

[Lance de Wroclaw]

Yep, it's me! I look good in paper...

[Russ Thomas]

Hi Folks !

32"...nah, I built one for a 36" head ! Absolutely true, I thought that he had a Rasta hairstyle or something but in fact he was shaved !!! That is by far the biggest helmet that I have ever made !
If you make the helmet in 2mm , it will be quite heavy. I make all mine in 1.5mm, and over here (Europe), they are often used for huscarl fighting with real, but blunted swords, and where head shots are permitted. I have not yet heard of anybody having any problems with the 1.5mm spangenhelms that I have made. In fact, I have heard from several people that they have really saved them from serious damage, including one with a Daneaxe! Thankfully, I only make the stuff, I dont have to wear it too !
If you need it, you will find a tutorial of how I build mine on my website, oddly enough under tutorials Hope that it might help you.

Good luck and have fun.

Regards as ever,

Russ

[Konstantin the Red]

Seriously, Hal, that nasal is an oral...

...talk about the work of giants. Maybe you should charge a quarter a peek and recover some of the cost of your helmet.

I'm kidding!

[Halberds]

Big nasals are very chick don't ya know?
Oh so European….
It’s the fad with all the crusaders now days.

Lets stop for a moment and consider the options.
1. Small nasal + big axe slash to the upper lip ie Wisby skull.
2. Large nasal = perhaps a glancing blow, ergo the difference between life and death.

**In my best Indiana Jones Holey Grail Guardian Knight voice**
Chose wisely my son.

[Sigmund Hawking]

the Nasal is so big the dog can protect his nose too:P

[Lance de Wroclaw]

OK, changed it up to 14 gauge, got the sheets, and cut this evening.

The browband leaves about an inch between it and my head all around!

Time for some serious padding or re- measure? I'm thinking padding, but I ain't no expert...
Comments?


Making progress!

[Lance de Wroclaw]

Oh yeah!

My knock off Beverly worked just great on the 14 AWG. If it weren't for the chip in the blade that only lets me cut 2 inches at a time, it would be perfect!

[Konstantin the Red]

Shorten the browband before final assembly, then. Try removing one to two inches of length.