Agamemnon's cuirass -- myArmoury.com

Dan Howard · Posted: Mon 06 May, 2013 11:45 pm Post subject: Agamemnon's cuirass

This was a thread that disappeared with the HDD crash. For those who missed it the first time, I've commissioned Jeffrey Hildebrandt to make a reconstruction of Agamemnon's cuirass as it is described in the Iliad.

Here is a thread with the ongoing discussion with Jeffrey.
http://z8.invisionfree.com/Bronze_Age_Center/...topic=1792

Dan Howard · Posted: Tue 07 May, 2013 12:10 am Post subject:

Progress pics

Artis Aboltins · Posted: Tue 07 May, 2013 12:17 am Post subject:

That looks fantastic! Really looking forward to see the completed version.

P. Frank · Posted: Tue 07 May, 2013 12:48 am Post subject:

Oh this looks wonderful; very shiny indeed. I am really looking forward to the next update!

Greg Mele · Industry Professional

WOW! I am excited for you.

Kai Lawson · Posted: Tue 07 May, 2013 8:49 am Post subject:

I was very much hoping that this thread would come back. What a beautiful cuirass. The lifework/shaping is very nice--I love the non-tubular taper towards the waistline. Fantastic!

Dan Howard · Posted: Wed 08 May, 2013 6:03 am Post subject:

The thread that is linked above shows some of my thoughts and interpretations but there is a more complete analysis of all of the armour in the Iliad in my book.
http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Bronze-Age-Mil...nt/p/3272/

If anyone has any specific questions, I'll try to answer them.

This is what inspired me to ask Jeff to attempt Agamemnon's armour. Hopefully he has enough bronze projects lined up now that he doesn't have to work with that girly steel stuff any more Razz

http://z8.invisionfree.com/Bronze_Age_Center/...topic=1790

Henrik Zoltan Toth · Posted: Wed 08 May, 2013 9:57 am Post subject:

It looks like the pieces in wich some sea people are shown on the reliefs in Medinet Habu, doesn't it?

Was this kind of cuirass weared with a thick, hard leather/felt inlay?

Kai Lawson · Posted: Wed 08 May, 2013 10:11 am Post subject:

The small coils near the breast and the abdominal lines on some of the the Medinet Habu carvings look a little like a stylized version of Mr. Howard's cuirass

Dan Howard · Posted: Wed 08 May, 2013 3:07 pm Post subject:

Dan Howard · Posted: Mon 08 Jul, 2013 7:21 pm Post subject:

Proposed detail for the snake head that will decorate the chest area. Ceramit will be used as a modern substitute for enamel.

Dan Howard · Posted: Mon 08 Jul, 2013 7:26 pm Post subject:

Here is a bracelet that Jeff made to try out some of the techniques and materials that are going to be used. The stripes are tin, gold, and ceramit. The armour will also have rolled edges and herringbone borders. The whole thing is covered with Renaissance Wax. The tin has turned out to be too hard to control and take way too long to apply. Aluminium leaf will be used as a substitute.

Peter Anderson · Posted: Sat 13 Jul, 2013 9:35 pm Post subject:

That is gorgeous. I'm really looking forward to seeing this project as it unfolds.

Dan Howard · Posted: Fri 23 Aug, 2013 3:00 am Post subject:

"... And toward the opening at the throat there were rearing up serpents of cobalt, three on either side, like rainbows, which the son of Kronos has marked upon the clouds, to be a portent to mortals." [Iliad, XI.26-28]

Kai Lawson · Posted: Fri 23 Aug, 2013 8:42 am Post subject:

I've been watching this with avid interest both here and on BAC. That is just lovely armor--such skill!

Dan Howard · Posted: Fri 08 Nov, 2013 12:23 pm Post subject:

Rolled edges and herringbone borders are done. Jeff has started working on the shoulder closures.

Philip Montgomery · Posted: Sat 09 Nov, 2013 3:59 am Post subject: Bronze age military equipment

Dan, last week I read your book "Bronze Age Military Equipment." It was a very meaty and fun to read. Impressive scholarship. Now seeing this cuirass, I realize how much research and thought is going into it. I am sure everyone here has read Dan's book, but if not you can buy it on Amazon. I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/Bronze-Age-Military-Equ...+equipment

Dan Howard · Posted: Sun 10 Nov, 2013 12:46 pm Post subject:

Thanks Philip. I'm glad you liked it. Good to see that Amazon has a Kindle edition now.

William P · Posted: Mon 11 Nov, 2013 4:19 am Post subject:

before i grab this thing on kindle, since I've got an older edition that is only monochrome, how picture heavy is this book out of curiosity?

btw, the cuirass looks gorgeous

Dan Howard · Posted: Mon 11 Nov, 2013 4:39 am Post subject:

It is mostly text but there are a handful of colour plates in the centre. Kirk Lee Spencer's Mycenaean sword diagrams make up the last appendix.