Roman helmet surface

[Titvs Statilivs Castvs]

Then I think you're unaware of the level of the craftsmen in the period we're discussing. They could easily make perfect even surfaces, also with mirror finsih.

I personally also would say it was shiny. Indeed it helps to prevent rust, but I would add some more evidence, which is in the fact that the Romans (and especially Cavalry) tent to finish all their pieces in Silver (and gold). You wouldn't do this if you didn't fancy the shiny look.

See for instance this famous cavalry helmets mask from Nijmegen:
[url:3p1gt565]http://www.romancoins.info/milit-mask-N.jpg[/url]

Ow, and to add to your last question (about leather armour/helmets). We still have an ongoing discussion about it. Look for instance in the 'reviews' section of this forum for the topic discussion the newest book by D'amato. We've just recently seen that discussion there.

Yes, but it is not because the craftsmen could make the surfaces even, that the soldiers could maintain this look, is it? For example, when a soldier didn't have the time to clean his armour after exposure to wet conditions, and it started rusting all over it, would this soldier have the skills, let alone the "tools", to regain a mirror finish look?