05-04-2007, 04:20 PM
It's probably either silicon bronze or phosphor bronze. Phosphor bronze has about 5 percent tin, and it's about the only modern bronze in sheet form which is similar in content to ancient bronze. But it does not seem to be available in sheets wider than 12 inches! So you can make a helmet in several pieces and braze or weld them together.
But if you want to hammer a helmet out in one piece, you are stuck with silicon bronze, which has no tin in it, but it does come in wider sheets. It's not really as accurate, but considering how much the tin content of ancient bronze could vary (up to 15 percent or more), I don't think the color is that much of an issue. It's going to be different from modern yellow brass in any case. Remember that colors are always going to be distorted in photos or online!
Best way to find out for sure, though, is ask Joe!
Vale,
Matthew
But if you want to hammer a helmet out in one piece, you are stuck with silicon bronze, which has no tin in it, but it does come in wider sheets. It's not really as accurate, but considering how much the tin content of ancient bronze could vary (up to 15 percent or more), I don't think the color is that much of an issue. It's going to be different from modern yellow brass in any case. Remember that colors are always going to be distorted in photos or online!
Best way to find out for sure, though, is ask Joe!
Vale,
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
