This helmet, rather than being based on a particular original or a specific depiction in Ancient art, is based on a series of depictions of Athena on contemporary coinage. The elements of the helmet derive from extant examples, but the … Continued
As mentioned in previous posts, tracking down large sheets of armour-appropriate tin-bronze alloys is a difficulty that plagues the ancient-reproductions industry. Unfortunately, this post is not about a universal solution, but at least a small triumph. Some months ago, a … Continued
I hosted my first workshop over the weekend. Five students, with varying levels of experience, made their own conical spangenhelms over a period of two days – with impressive results! Here are four of the budding armourers displaying the fruits of their … Continued
I am replicating the Wallace Collection’s fascinating a82 painted sallet again – and this time you can watch! The original is a type of full-visored sallet sometimes called an “owl-face sallet.” It sports a distinctive paint job featuring a grimacing monster … Continued
I had a chance to make another Sturmhaube recently – my third so far, with a fourth on its heels. Original helmets of this type may all share certain features, but they are all distinctly different in form and detail – which … Continued
I have long been fascinated by the iconic Waterloo helmet, housed in the British Museum. The Iron Age original sports horns, fine repoussé decoration, hatched bronze rondels that were once enamelled, and hundreds of tiny spherical-headed rivets. Sounds like a daunting build – … Continued
I am currently working on a commission for a replica of the Berkasovo II ridge helmet. While ridge helmets are of simple enough construction, making the decorative sheathing to precisely cover the underlying structure makes the fancy ones a lot … Continued