[Matthew Harrington]

So I'm trying to figure out what to do with the vast amount of money I've acquired from selling some old knives, and decided to expand my viking armory. I'm mostly looking for a spectacle helm, what would you guys recommend? Even though it's not the most accurate I really dig this helm: http://www.bytheswordinc.com/p-10073-spectacl...-6741.aspx

I'm also interested in this langseax as well, is it any good? http://www.bytheswordinc.com/p-14424-seax-of-...-4171.aspx

Any recommendations on historically accurate axes, saxs, and helms? Please share your opinion.

[Aed Thompson]

Hi there. There are lots of Gjermundbus on the market, but my view is that most are quite poor in terms of adherence to the original find. The checklist of features I would target would be slanted teardrop shaped eyes set in a flat eyepiece, and a ferrous nose-to-nape and ear-to-ear ridge in cruciform arrangement (like the Wollaston/Pioneer helm). I do note, however, there are numerous nice variations on the theme, particularly by White Rose Armoury which include some other features such as cheekpieces and brass decoration (not true to the find but nice in their own right).
There are two versions on Jelling Dragon that are farly good: The first is $153 and is quite good in most respects, though you might want to add mail to it. The second is $336 and looks very good, with no obvious flaws.
http://www.jelldragon.com/viking_helmets.htm
It would be a shame to spend money on a helm you end up being unhappy with, so I'd recommend getting a good feel for the original find and then shopping around.
Hope this helps.

Nb; I don't own either of the above helms, so I can't recommend them from personal experience. Having looked into purchasing a gjermundbu these seem to be two of the best available though.

[Matthew Harrington]

Thanks, for your recommendations, but I don't see any that really speak to me. What about this? It seems pretty spot on to me. http://www.casiberia.com/product/gjermundbu-h...ail/ab3951

[R. Kolick]

look on www.viking-shield.com or www.kultofathena.com both have a larger selection and are chearper than almost any other site ive seen