Montefortino edging

[richsc]

I'm converting a spun bowl into a Montefortino for my metalsmithing class, and in getting to the edging, could not tell if the roping/edging was hammered in or soldered on. It looks hammered, but from what I can see from the U Penn helmet the edging back is solid rather than U shaped, which is puzzling. Any one know how that was done?

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Cast?

[Tarbicus]

If you go to the main site's Helmet Database and read through the remarks on the Montefortinos, you'll find things like:

The bottom edges of the helmet bowl are thickened and decorated with inscribed lines and punched patterns.

http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/index.php

[Dan Diffendale]

The rope-edge on the Montefortino in the Penn Museum was cast; you can't see it in the case, but there's a fingerprint preserved from the wax-stage. The entire helmet may have been cast and then hammered.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Thanks Dan!

[richsc]

rope-edge on the Montefortino in the Penn Museum was cast;

Ah, that makes sense. I thought it looked solid. Interestingly, that would make shaping the helmet so much easier and faster as opposed to raising or dishing it.

[Tarbicus]

As long as others don't walk away from the thread thinking all were cast, and don't bother to do their own research :wink:

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

No, Jim some are raised too, but there are some that are cast, which would explain the thicker edging, although the hammered ones can have very thin bowls as a result of the process.

[Tarbicus]

I know, which is why I suggested people actually go and read something about them.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Not everyone has the time I guess.....I should be working right now.... :oops: :roll: