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04-12-2004, 07:24 PM

List, 
Where would one go to get a custom made parade helmet? I understand something like this is going to cost a pretty penny but is there anyone out there that does this sort of thing and keeps the cost somewhat reasonable... just curious! 
SMc

04-12-2004, 08:39 PM

<img src="http://www.fectio.org.uk/shows/kalkriese1.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
 
Antoni Feldon has done a great one- see above. No idea of the price! And I'm holding back on the issue of whether there is such a thing as a parade helmet!! 
 
Paulus

Daniel S Peterson · 04-13-2004, 03:04 PM

I am also not convinced there is such a thing as a pure "parade helmet", but in all likelihood, the Greek and Amazon series helments were reserved for "cavalry sports" which could be construed as "parade". 
 
If toni's helmet is too rich, Deepeeka has just produced a nice copy of the masked helmet from the Levy collection of New York. It fits a Kalkriese type facemask. the one on the helmet is cast brass (as some originals), but a bit heavy for that reason. Still, it can be comfortably worn. This has become my new helmet for actual combat. 
 
Dan

04-13-2004, 04:21 PM

Mr. Peterson, 
Bearing in mind I'm new here... I've seen statements that the masked helmets weren't worn for combat and that they were, what gives? 
 
I can understand to a point the issue of visibilty in one of these things but at the same time I can see several reasons for the having the masks as well. What new evidence is now leading folks to believe they were possibly used in combat as well as in games and parades? And why do I find so many images of the masks by themselves on the interenet as opposed to the masks with helmets still attached? 
 
Were these helmets always so elaborate or were there simplified versions? I've seen two different versions of a reproduction masked helmet on the internet, one being from Deepeeka and one from By the Sword. They appear to be two different production pieces, the one from By the Sword having a bit more detail and a different shape to the "bowl/cap". Since I see your name connected with one and you mentioned the other... which one would you suggest as far as authenticity, overall quality and craftsmanship? 
 
I'm also interested in how early these masked helmets can be documented as being used and produced by the Romans... any insight into this? 
 
And finally, I picked up a copy of the Connolly book you mentioned and really studied the saddle illustrations. I'm still interested in the pad saddle idea that you mentioned earlier on this board. Can we talk off-line to continue this discussion? My email is [email protected] if you don't mind fielding a few of my questions(okay, it may be more than a few!). 
 
Thanks for your input and I look forward to hearing more on the subject of masked helmets. 
Scott McMahon

Daniel S Peterson · 04-13-2004, 08:48 PM

Scott, 
The full head, masked helmets depicting Amazon and Greek warriors were certainly intended for Cavarly sports, and this has implied that all of these helmets were used in cavalry sports. However, the helmets found with many of these helmets are definately combat-worthy, and usually conform to regular cavalry helmets. I believe these helmets were no different than visored and visorless open faced helmets in the middle ages. It was a matter of preference, though the visors could be easily removed as well. There is some evidence that some standard bearers may be wearing masked helmets, and this is practical, for when gripping a standard with both hands, one cannot use a shield to deflect blows/missiles. 
 
Good evidence that these helmets were used in combat was the discovery of the faceplate of one at kalkriese, a battlefield of some sort deep in "barbarian" Germany, and therefore probably not lost in "cavalry sports". 
 
The two masked helmets made by deepeeka are the Levy/Kalkriese type (with eyebrows like an imperial Gallic), and the copy of a Ribchester helmet with more elaborate mask and embosed figures on the skull. 
 
There are Greek masked helmets that predate the Roman by hundres of years. Supposedly, there is one from a celtic contest in Britain that may date to the time of Caesar. The Kalkriese mask is certainly of Augustan date. 
 
I will try to post the original pad saddle tomorrow, as it is already past midnight here. 
 
Dan

04-13-2004, 09:01 PM

Dan, 
I've seen the helmet with the elaborate face mask that Deepeeka makes(Ribchester) but they evidently don't have pictures of their Levy/Kalkriese model up yet... I'd like to see it!. Looking forward to the saddle pics, thanks for your patience and help!!! 
SMc

John M McDermott · 04-13-2004, 10:28 PM

I called Mr. Feldon about a year and a half ago and he referred me to an outfit in California that basically ignored my inquiries. How do you get his stuff? 
 
John

**Robert Vermaat** · 04-13-2004, 10:45 PM

Quote:<hr>Antoni Feldon has done a great one- see above. No idea of the price! <hr> 
 
Great picture did I shoot, didn't I? 
The guy who he made it for told me it was something like a thousand euri, if I recall it properly. After all, this was at Kalkriese 2004, almost a year ago! 
 
Valete, 
Valerius/Robert

04-14-2004, 01:10 AM

Valerius, 
Thanks for posting the picture... I believe I've seen some pictures of that fellow mounted in full kit, impressive! 
 
I went back to Deepeeka and saw the helmet Dan was referring to.... has anybody else seen it, if so what's your take on it? Go to the helmets section and there's a new projects or new lines or new arrivals, something to that order and the Kalkriese helmet is therein. I like it but am not sure what others think of the little details that I've seen so much discussion over. 
 
This is all rather refreshing... I like seeing that folks outside of my normal period of interest deabte the little things! We'll argue over the cut of a roundabout ro the proper buttons or what weapons were issued to what units or what period specific saddle hos can be dated to... you guys argue over how deep a helmet bowl is, whether or nto the right hinges are used on facemasks or cheek pieces and whether or not Worchestershire sauce is similar enough to ?garum?sp to be used as a period food! I think I'm gonna fit right in here... 
 
Anyway... any comments on the Deepeeka Kalkriese? Anyone? 
SMc

04-14-2004, 10:12 AM

The cost of the Feldon Cavalry/parade helmet in the photo was around Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£1500.00. It was bought by a friend of mine for LEG XIIII GMV (UK) 
 
regards, 
Peronis

04-15-2004, 12:18 PM

Wow!! That is some piece of work. 1 500 pounds is a lot of money but considering the amount and quality of work involved it is not really expensive. 
And that bring me back to the question: besides the hinge on top, is there any other fastening device like an attachment to the cheek guards, for instance?

05-06-2004, 01:12 PM

No, the cheekguards, when fastened in the usual tie-under-the-chin fashion, hold the mask in place. A colleague of mine recently tried this helmet out for cavalry use. His conclusion was "You can't see a F~~~~~' thing!" 
 
Peronis

Gashford · 05-06-2004, 08:38 PM

Hello all 
 
There are plenty of armourers out there that will build you custom work, just be prepared to pay heavily for it. 
 
For starters you might try 
 
www.masterarmourer.com 
www.christianfletcher.com 
 
Hope this helps.

Crispvs · 05-07-2004, 06:22 PM

I've worn the helmet in the picture a number of times. True, the field of vision is not as good as that available when wearing my own Imperial Gallic 'F', but I am always surprised by how much I can still see when wearing the masked helmet. The thing that bothers me is normally the weight rather than the field of vision. 
 
Crispvs 
>Mestrii 
Coh III 
Leg XIIII GMV

05-22-2004, 04:48 PM

Speaking of which Crispus, where did you get your excellent Imp-Gallic F made? At some point in the near future i'm hoping to move onwards and upwards from my current deepeeka helm.

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