Posts: 1,462 Location: Laurel, MD, USA
Fri 20 Jan, 2006 9:33 am
Thanks, Bruno, that's a nice plug!
Martin, I think what we're seeing is not a Coolus helmet but more of what is called "Auxiliary Type B", or possibly even type C which has crossed reinforcements. The second century AD is a little late for Coolus types, though it's also just a tad early for helmets made with reinforcements (though many seem to be getting them as modifications). There's a nice Auxiliary B on this page, 6th helmet down:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/samuel/pages/rome.htm
Making a Roman helmet in one piece, that's more than I would try! Best of luck to you. I think for the basic pattern you start with a circle whose diameter is equal to the diameter plus the height of the finished helmet. Something like that! And you have to add on some for the neckguard, too. If you are using brass, work it cold but keep annealing (heating and quenching) whenever the metal starts to get hard, or it will crack.
Have fun! Vale,
Matthew/Quintus, Legio XX