07-27-2011, 11:01 AM
Quote:George, are you familiar with the care of iron/steel helmets? (I only ask because you are a newer member, I don't mean to sound patronizing if you are familiar). Especially with a very nice helmet like the DSC Gallic A, be sure to rub a thin coat of mineral oil on the helmet to protect it from rust (even the salt on your fingers can cause rust in the long term, and depending on your climate humidity can play a factor). Mineral oil is fairly cheap too, I pay $1.38 for a 16oz bottle, you can find it in the pharmacy section at your local grocer.
Mineral oil last a long time, and chances are if you are like me with a new helmet, you'll be handling the helmet so much the oil will probably come off from handling it rather than it actually evaporating.
Something to consider about the Dacian helmets is that while most are represented as being Italic with the crossbars on the top, there are plenty of example of Gallic helmets with the cross bars added over the "eye brows" and other ornamentation, showing what a hurry some of the metalworkers were in to protect the soldiers from the Dacian falx, which is rumored (I still am not completely convinced of its effectiveness) to peel Roman helmets like a can opener.
Oh ok Matt thanks for the information on the Gallic helms. I'm learning something new here everyday. The Dacian Wars are also one of my favorite Roman zones of conflict.
Jkaler I'm purchasing one of the tinned bronze Gallic helms.
Appreciate the reenacting info as well. I'll try and contact him.
Can anyone recommend a sword/gladius vendor?
