I always wanted a Roxolani spangenhelm as pictured on Trajan's Column, so a year ago I ordered this one from Greg Kulig at Thorkil Armour. No nose-guard to interfere with sighting in archery, and Greg reproduced the design accurately... all except the bluing, which needs to be removed. Vinegar? Or will I spend hours scrubbing with 000 steel wool?
It's fashioned in true spangen construction (rare these days). On its way from Poland at the time of this post. I can't wait!
Nothing like replying to your own post. :roll:
For anyone out there who wants to remove bluing?-- here's a hint.
I soaked the helmet in 2 1/2 gallons of white vinegar for 5 hours!
Here it is in a beautiful steel color. :grin:
[attachment=3973]roxolanihelmetfinished005.JPG[/attachment]
Very nice and very Trajan's column!
Thanks, Paul
Most everyone on this channel is aware of the Trajan's helmets, but here is an illustration of a similar one from the Crimea. :wink:
[attachment=3974]morespangens-roxolani008.JPG[/attachment]
I think these are the earliest spangenhelms depicted, sort of forecasting a trend. :grin:
A.J.
That is a seriously impressive helmet!
Like the new avatar too
I didn't reply to the initial post as I didn't want to encourage you! :-)
But, it looks fantastic sans bluing too!
Great helmet and impression in the other post!
Hello Moi & Byron,
It's easy to smile on my new avatar when wearing this helmet.
Greg did a great job, a wonderful craftsman, and I hope he's not offended that I removed the bluing. Just a soak and a light buff with 000 steel wool. It turned out spectacular, authentic, and I'm proud to wear it. :lol:
This is a really great job… and the steel color looks great!
Quote:This is a really great job… and the steel color looks great!
It's nice to have something more or less correct. :grin:
Greg asked me if I wanted steel or brass bands, and I opted for brass. The two metals showcase each other.
Quote:I always wanted a Roxolani spangenhelm as pictured on Trajan's Column, so a year ago I ordered this one from Greg Kulig at Thorkil Armour.
Very nice Alan!
Thanks, Robert
We all strive for that "correct look," but in my case there are too few original illustrations. Other than Trajan's Column, we have the Orlat Battle Plaque... but that's about it, I think. A good part of any Alanic impression is probably educated guessing. And even then, someone will disagree. But the important thing is to try. :wink:
Quote:But the important thing is to try. :wink:
Agreed! So.. do you ride?
Quote:Agreed! So.. do you ride?
Don't ride anymore, Robert. A bone-density problem that arrives with age. But I used to ride quarterhorse, American style. Only later did I become interested in the Alans, basically as a spin-off while studying the Goths. Still an archer, and I'm one of the first certified instructors on steppe bowmanship in the U.S.
Quote: I'm one of the first certified instructors on steppe bowmanship in the U.S.
A badge of honour!