First, hello Paul and welcome to myArmoury!

What can you tell us about these helmets pictured on your website?
Sutton Hoo replica
[ Linked Image ]
Coppergate replica
[ Linked Image ]

Any information you could give in terms of construction and availability would be greatly appreciated.

Paul's website for those interested: http://www.re-enactment.biz/index.html

I wonder if these are the (new?) Paul Chen replicas? http://www.888knivesrus.com shows a Coppergate helm replica in their Paul Chen section for $479.99. The helm in their website has a bright finish, not blackened, but the stand looks awfully similar. They used to have a Sutton Hoo replica, as well, though that seems to be gone, now.

Hm, I think you're right. That Sutton Hoo helm sure looks like the one in the CASI printed ad on the back of Blade magazine. It's quite nice looking. Wonder how it's proportioned.

Here's some detail from a picture I took at the CAS booth at the Atlanta Blade Show...

ks

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Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Those do look like the same helmets don't they. I'd like to see one first hand as I've always wanted a replica of that Sutton Hoo helmet.

Both of these helmets (or at least versions of them) are advertised at the 888KNIVESRUS.COM website. http://www.888knivesrus.com/category/allbrands.c_a_s__iberia/

They both look pretty nice. I am tempted to buy the Sutton Hoo helm. If I do I will at least provide pictures, and would be happy to let you inspect it close up if we can get together sometime.

CAS Iberia replica:
[ Linked Image ]

It looks remarkably similar to the one above except for the color. Of course, since they are both based on the same piece, they should look similar. The stands however give it away. And the Coppergate helmet. It is extremely unlikely that two separate companies would come out with the same two helmets with the same stands and plaques. I suppose it is possible, however ridiculously unlikely.
That being said, I would be tempted to buy it if I knew more about the construction. As it is, I think I'll wait until someone else does and writes a review :D

For comparison, this is the replica made by the British Museum

[ Linked Image ]

Some discrepancies in proportion are obvious when comparing the two repros. And I'm assuming that the Royal Armouries version is more accurate. Still, if the rest of the helm is well done it might be worth the price listed at 888Knives R Us.

Well I just ordered the Sutton Hoo helm. (from 888Knives-R-US)

I've been having a running e-mail exchange with a collector in the UK. He's writing a review of a particularly magnificent custom sword that he owns (and which I'd dearly love to have). I'm very excited about this particular review since it showcases the makers talents so well.

This particular collector also owns a custom replica of the Sutton Hoo helm. He's seen the Hanwei version and says that it compares favorably considering the price. He commented "I would have been tempted to buy it if I hadn't already owned mine".

He also states that the Coppergate helm is quite nice.

Hopefully we'll see before too long.

I can' t wait to see some pics when it arrives. Just thought I would post a pic of the real Sutton Hoo helmet.

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Hi Guys,
Interesting pics,
I met this guy a couple of weeks ago who does predominantly roman work,but he said he had also done viking work in the past,
the prices you guys are stating are roughly the same i think,
definately worth a look,
the helms are handmade,cast/assembled, they looked very good for the outlay,
also definatey worth looking at are the scabbards,quality was excellent as was the sword hilts,
the chap will do hiltwork on user blades,but the stuff i saw sported mild steel blades,
The chap seemed very knowledgable about all his wares and very forthcoming with any Q;s asked,
Hope you guys find something of interest,

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/fabrica

It should come up as Len Morgan/Armourer
Roman reconstruction Fabrica

Here's a quote from the collector I mentioned. He's been checking with a friend who owns one of these, and he compares it to his own custom helm by Dave Roper.

Quote:

Hi Patrick, I spoke to my friend, John, he sees Paul Craddock every week, and he likes the Sutton Hoo. He has bought and paid for the Coppergate -- he hasn't got it yet though. He can't tell you what guauge steel it is but he is the only other person to have a Sutton Hoo helmet by Dave Roper and he says that it is similar in weight. My helmet weighs about 4 and a half pounds and feels very comfortable on the head. My friend confirms that the plates are pressed he says that the bowl looks as though it beaten, too so it looks like a bargain.

Hi Patrick,
The above post wasnt meant to read as an overshoot of the link and thread about mercia/weyland,
i read the update on this one and the Manning Imperial thread and thought it might be of interest,probly more appropriate on the manning thread,
Len was actually on the stall where i'd chatted to the mercia people the year before and i as actually a little dissapointed not to see them at the same show this year,
No harm no foul i hope, :blush:

No worries Lee, it's all good :D

Oh, boy... I haven't even seen those Paul Chen reproductions of those two pieces! They're amazing for the price! The Deepeeka Sutton Hoo, which is much worse off in shape and without lining, stand, etc... Is retailed at $600!

Man, those are making me drool... I'm going to have to pump out some nice shields to sell pretty quick to get one of those (I'm particularly interested in the Coppergate Helmet, honestly). One worry... My head has a 22.5" circumference. Do any of you think that the helmet would be so big that even with an arming cap, for example, it would still be big for me? I would definitely want to use it for reeactment.

-Gregory-