Morgan Bible Iron Hat -- myArmoury.com

Jeffrey Hildebrandt · Industry Professional

A recent project reminded me of an interesting conversation I read on this forum, regarding the colouration of helmets in mid-13th C manuscripts. For my latest iron hat, I used linen cloth to cover the infill plates; a solution inspired by traces of fabric discovered between the layers of a contemporary Norwegian iron hat. The pattern of the helmet is based on one of the many interesting variations found in the Morgan/Maciejowski Bible.

Thanks for looking!

Mark Moore · Posted: Thu 15 Dec, 2016 1:26 pm Post subject:

Oh wow....That looks incredible! Just gave me a ton of ideas for some 'off the shelf' helms! Great job!!!.......McM

Scott Kowalski · Chris Landwehr 10/10/49-1/1/09 My Mom

That looks spectacular Jeffrey! I have been thinking of a helmet like that for a late 13th century kit.

Guillaume Vauthier · Posted: Thu 15 Dec, 2016 11:54 pm Post subject:

Beautiful. Funny how the shape is close from some WW1 helmets!

Mark Moore · Posted: Fri 16 Dec, 2016 5:30 am Post subject:

My Dad, now deceased, has an old aluminum safety hat from when he worked for a local gas company that is shaped almost exactly the same. Minus the rivets and plates, of course....but the overall shape is nearly identical. Guess that goes to show that a tried and proven design can hang around for a loooong time. .................McM

Gary Venable · Posted: Fri 16 Dec, 2016 8:25 am Post subject:

The more work I see out of Royal Oak Armoury the more impressed by them I am. Truly you are doing some fantastic work.

Peter Spätling · Industry Professional

I'd like to know more about this kettle hat. Do you have some more informations?

Jeffrey Hildebrandt · Industry Professional

It is amazing how some helmet forms persist and repeat, isn't it? Not just the iron hat but the burgonet, the Phrygian cap, the coolus...

Peter, what would you like to know about the helmet? I would be happy to oblige.

Michael Parker · Posted: Sat 17 Dec, 2016 1:23 am Post subject:

J. Nicolaysen · Posted: Sat 17 Dec, 2016 2:11 pm Post subject:

Well the hat is here and it is wonderful. Jeffrey does phenomenal work. I learned quite a bit from him through these projects since he's very good at research, committed to historical accuracy and very willing to work with a customer. There are a number of Chapeau de fer in the Morgan Bible pages as many of us know. It's a type I've really liked for a few years and I'm super pleased with the result. Jeffrey also made a nice padded coif with wool batting which is a necessity for this hat...because yes, it's iron, so not exactly comfortable on one's noggin without something.

I just received it yesterday so here are just a few starter pictures. Jeffrey was in the holiday spirit along with me, because the hat had a nice little felt holly leaf (not attached of course) resting on the striking red linen.

J. Nicolaysen · Posted: Sat 17 Dec, 2016 2:16 pm Post subject:

Here's a photo with my Maciejowski Bible Chopper, from Maciej (Swordmaker). The tunics are from Historical Enterprises, actually they are "dark ages" cut, (Kyrtle 900-1100) so a little early. But I don't have the gambeson I'd really like yet. Anyhow, I think you all can see where I'm going with this! If I can, I'll get a photo with me in the tunic, etc.

J. Nicolaysen · Posted: Sat 17 Dec, 2016 2:19 pm Post subject:

And my daughter wanted to take a picture of me as well, so here it is, western shirt, photographer shadow and all. The helmet fits perfectly Jeffrey. Thank you.

Mark Moore · Posted: Sat 17 Dec, 2016 3:05 pm Post subject:

The holly leaf is over the top! Laughing Out Loud

Your kit will look great! Right up my alley!.........McM

Ed W. · Posted: Sat 17 Dec, 2016 5:32 pm Post subject:

That's a dang nice kettle hat. I had considered the use of different coloured metal (bronze maybe) or paint to explain the coloured helmets in the Mac Bible, but not cloth.

Jeffrey-I lived in Saskatchewan for a year. I wish I'd known about your cauldron making workshops while I was there!

J.-that's a great start to a Mac Bible inspired kit! The kettle hat and sword were the only items I bought for my 13th C kit. Everything else I made myself. Feel free to PM me if you'd like some help with any of it! Don't want to get too off topic here so have posted in the 'show us your kits and harnesses' thread.

Joe Fults · Posted: Sat 17 Dec, 2016 7:20 pm Post subject:

Different and nicely executed. Good call on having it made. Excellent work in making it.

Peter Spätling · Industry Professional

@Jeffrey, sorry I wasn't clear. I'd like to know more about the Norwegian piece "I used linen cloth to cover the infill plates; a solution inspired by traces of fabric discovered between the layers of a contemporary Norwegian iron hat". Where is the original? Is there a book/article about it? I 'm not very well-read on the 13th century.
Thanks Happy