since my cameras photos have a pixel size that is huge to allow good resolution. (1920 x 2560) and usually big file sizes..
but ive figured out a way around it and im very excited to show off my new rus helm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64955660@N08/ this links to my flikr account which has a full list of photos
all credits of its manufacture go to Christopher (quarf) morgan of the New varangian guard except the plume, i made that myself
the helm was a custom job in that it was semi tailoredto my headshape.
initially it was going to be alot more pointy and tapered as these early photos show.

the helm is based off the remains of rus helms and i think its a Type II - Sphæroconical - 'Chernigov' type or maybe a type IIa

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~chrisandpeter/...5_chernaia
its a 4 panel spangenhelm type construction made of 1.6mm mild steel, with a shoulder length butted maile aventail made from 8mm ID rings using either 1.4/ 1.6mm wire http://manningimperial.com/item.php?item_id=3...amp;c_id=5 ,
the aventail dovetails nicely down my back

though recently ive aded a combination plume made of 'feathers and what id like to call 'synthetic horsehair' i.e old yellowing nylon fishing line.

the interior incorperates leather suspension instead of simply padding, and has a turkic style 4 point chinstrap that seems to be a low tech version of how your modern bicycle helmet buckles up.

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view of the aventail from the rear

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shows my helm with the new plume sitting on the boss of my roundshield alongside my sword, my saxe (under construction) and my reenactment legal mace

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a possible basis for my helm a type IIa Gnëzdovo (2), 10th c.

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interior of y helm showing the chinstrap arrangement and suspension liner

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side view of my helm also shows the decorative edging, not nearly as fancy as the archaeological find

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heml while under construction

Very awesome, William! :D

Niiice :D
Do you intend to line the maille at all, or just leave it as it?
Have you read A Companion to Medieval Arms and Armour Ed. David Nicolle? It's pretty informative, and offers heaps of info on Eastern European/Slav/Rus/Balt/E. Roman/Middle Eastern stuff.

just an update, i realise now that my helmet is based off another kind of helmet.
i.e the 'black grave' helmet' a Type II - Sphæroconical - 'Chernigov' type helmet

as you can see though, it VERY clearly has some issues in terms of direct comparison with the original,

the method of attatching the avential is different, using a brass wire threaded through 5 rings around the rim of the helmet, providing a rail that is threaded through the maile. the thorkil rreplica of the helm seems to have the loops as well, but it doesnt seem to thread the maile trough a wire.
http://www.thorkil.pl/platnerstwo/helmy/wczesne/giecz1.jpg

mand the most obvious contrast... is that mine has a nasel and the original has the simply 'diadem shape' plus the florets on the side plates, my helmet has niether.

its also not as ornate as the originals likely were.

so, while its still a very good helmet for the money, and one im very happy to fight with. it definately wont be my last.

pics upcoming: my helmet with the aventail laced up to partly cover the face.

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Type II - Sphæroconical - 'Chernigov' type helm from 'black grave find'

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method of attatching aventail to helmet. note the two rings that the wire threads through.

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thorkil replica of 'black grave' helm

very nice helms. good work. I like that shape and form.
remind me the helms from "Andrei Rublev" movie.