Valsgarde Helmet parts -- myArmoury.com

Paul Holwell · Industry Professional

Hi Guys.

I thought i would post some pics of the parts i have made for my first Valsgarde Helmet. The figures i had made from my original piece. These were cast for me by Plataurum Design Limited, and they did a great job!
The crest was formed from a sheet of brass and the vein was made from a separate piece, held together with 10 brass rivets. (that was hard!)
The eyebrows i formed from brass plate. I will post some pics of the whole Helmet soon as its nearly done. Its took longer than i thought at the start, but its not only my first Helmet, its also the first time i have beaten metal into the shapes required for a Helmet.

Hope you like the pics. Paul

Carl Robinson · Posted: Thu 20 Oct, 2011 2:46 pm Post subject:

Looking great so far Paul, can't wait to see the finished piece. It's good to see someone else here from East Yorkshire

David Huggins · Posted: Fri 21 Oct, 2011 12:15 am Post subject: Valsgarde

Hi Paul

Having seen the helm in progress and offered minor critique where I thought it required, it has been a pleasure to watch the progress first hand. What I can say for your very first attempt at both making a helm and beating metal plate, your work has been exceptional and who ever ends up owning the helm will have a top quality piece of work.

Carl, their are a few of us on here from East Yorkshire!

best
Dave

Matthew Bunker · Posted: Fri 21 Oct, 2011 12:33 am Post subject:

Looking good Paul, looking very good.

Mark Routledge · Industry Professional

Looking forward to more about this, very nice work so far.

Matt Corbin · Posted: Fri 21 Oct, 2011 6:52 am Post subject:

Paul,

THat looks really good. Now I'm just going to have to impatiently wait for you to finish it so we can all see how it turns out Big Grin

. Judging by the rest of your projects though I'm sure it will be stunning.

I don't think there can ever be too many Valsgarde helmet reproductions. There aren't enough of them being made and it's really good to see another in the works.

Paul Hansen · Posted: Fri 21 Oct, 2011 10:43 am Post subject:

Great work! Even more amazing if it's your first helmet...

Please don't tell me it's also your first metalworking project... Eek!

Paul Holwell · Industry Professional

Hi guys.

Glad you all like my work so far and your kind words.
Thanks Dave for your encouragement, cant wait to show you it all done. Wont be long now.

Paul

Bruce Tordoff · Industry Professional

Hi Guys, (and Carl, I'm also from East Yorks,)

Paul is a tease, putting these pics on myArmoury just to whet everyones appetite!

Dave Huggins was kind enough to lend Paul one of his Ivor Lawton 'basic' Valsgarde-esque helms as an inspirational guide, although the one Paul is making is loosely based on the fittings from the V8, as the keener eyed amongst you may have noticed. Paul did a lot of research on the net, looking at the different designs of the Vendel/Valsgarde helms. After much discussion with Paul on the Subtle difference on what could be deemed 'Fantasy' and what could be deemed 'conjectural', he decided to plum for a basic, (ie, no press blech) version, which myself and Dave H have seen go from flat sheet to complete helm. If Paul has deemed to not describe in detail the finished article, then I will not step on his toes, we shall all have to wait and see.
Although, Paul is a mate so I will see it 1st!
But as Mark R, Dave H and Matt B, in this thread, will attest, we have in our historical group, a couple of the finest helm makers recreating our period. But to echo Dave H, Even for Pauls FIRST attempt he is right up there at the big table.
As a maker myself, I am Very impressed, Pauls level of meticulous patience is what sets him apart. This helm WILL look stunning, and I might add, its fits me perfectly, Mmmm!

Bruce