German 14th c. Bassinet repro from Manning Imperial -- myArmoury.com

Christian G. Cameron

I wanted a new helmet that was hardened, had full eye protection, and was still period-correct., for fighting on foot (and perhaps on horseback.) After some consultation (on this list and elsewhere) I settled on this helmet.

Craig Sitch at Manning Imperial made the shell and visor and cast the verveilles. I'm no armourer, but I enjoy a project--it helps me understand the period. I had to polish the shell (which came pretty rough) and rivet the cap (flush, which I'd never done before) as well as add the verveilles and make a liner and stitch it in. None of that was very complicated,. and I may embarrass myself by saying that elements challenged my skills, but in the end...

Polished:

Cap added with rivets flush and polished:

Liner sewn (all hand, linen and raw wool)

Verveilles in and visor riveted on (the last quite the complex operation--long dreaded--proved to be a snap. Sigh)

And finally, aventail added temporarily (for fit--still needs adjustment)

And yes, I will be correcting the top of the aventail...

Greg Mele · Industry Professional

Nicely done, Christian! A very attractive hat.

Ian S LaSpina · Posted: Wed 08 Feb, 2012 2:02 pm Post subject:

That is a very sexy helmet! I'm assuming this will be used for your kit in the Laurin Tournament I previously saw you post about? Can't wait to see the whole ensemble!

Christian G. Cameron · Posted: Thu 09 Feb, 2012 6:51 am Post subject:

Thanks Greg and Ian. Yes, Ian--gauntlets are under construction even now, and will replicate these in Florence:

Jiri Klepac is making them--Karl Robinson is doing the gloves.

And there's new leg harnesses... Happy