Posts: 793 Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Wed 01 Dec, 2010 4:24 am
In my personal opinion "Spangen helmet" cover all types of segmented helmets. Possibly even as far back as boar tusk and other ancient designs, In contrast to single piece helmets. If this is the true and correct way to interpret the definition I have no idea. "Rail" if intended to be the linking pieces sounds like it would only apply to some few variants but like many words and definitions it may well have taken on a wider meaning over the years.
I find it very interesting that a closer look at the Bayeux tapestry reveals what seems to be typical four-plate spangens with no connecting strip. It explains the conical shape since this type is easier to make conical than round topped and the Normans would have had them produced in great numbers for the invasion. There are examples of round topped 4-piece overlap construction even when it's not obvious at first glance. Like the Gjermundbu helmet which on close examination has four overlapping plates with a reinforcement band covering the seams as a cross over the top. The cross is not really holding the helmet pieces together as it only has the one row of rivets along it. So is this the "Rail" meant, a cross added for strength rather than a part keeping it all together?
This all leads me to think that possiby four plates overlapping was the most common way to construct helmets in the later half of the viking age and, also possibly if the tapestry is to be believed and interpreted that way, the most common on the
Hastings battlefield? At the very least one wouldn't have to be embarrassed wearing a 4-piece overlap spangen when depicting a Norman of Hastings.