Were Late Roman Ridge Helmets Really lined in Leather?

[markusaurelius]

A new project today made me come across an interesting question.

Were Late Roman Ridge Helmets Really lined in Leather?

It seems that every single re-production, from the smaller re-constructionist to the big Deepeeka companies, they all line their helmets with leather, and use the holes that run along the base of the majority of these helmets as "stitching" holes to attach the leather.

What archeological evidence is there to support this? Any?

It would seem far more logical that these holes actually were where the tiny rivets attached the silver of gold sheathing to these helmets. There is lots of Archeological evidence to support the fact that these helmets had sheathing covering them, including Intercisa helmets. It also does not surprise me that many of them today don't have the sheathing on them anymore (stripped away by raiding barbarians no doubt :wink: )

There is plenty of evidence to support that rivets were used to attach the sheathing to the iron core on these helmets (See photos below). From large bulbous rivets to simple finer ones for cheek pieces.

So why are these reproductions and artistic representation in books being made showing leather stitching? It would seem that everyone is just copying someone else without looking at the archeological record.[attachment=0:24jtphre]<!-- ia0 Intercisa.jpg<!-- ia0 [/attachment:24jtphre]