Helmet Commissioning

[John1]

I have a friend who is looking to commission an accurate reconstruction of the Benty Grange helmet.
Any advice on who he should be talking to would be appreciated;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benty_Grange_Helmet

[Quintus Claudius Scaevola]

My friend Dean Cunningham would be able to do it for you - I'm not sure what his production schedule is like at the moment, however it wouldn't hurt to check out his Facebook page. He's done work for Legio XX before (In fact, I think he's still listed on their supplier's page...).

https://www.facebook.com/DMCmetalsmith?ref=br_tf

-Quintus

[jvrjenivs]

It all depends on where you live and how much you wanna spend (and what waiting time you're wanting to wait).

[Flavivs Aetivs]

If you live in the US Jeffrey Hildebrandt, Matt Lukes, or a few others could do it for you.

Matt Amt could tell you how to do it yourself with stuff you find dumpster diving! :woot:

[John1]

As it happens the friend is in the US, but it would be great if it could be made in Mercia of Mercian materials. I think he's looking for some beautiful craftsmanship so the "do it himself" probably won't work, he'll just have to work harder to pay a real craftsman.

[Flavivs Aetivs]

Jeffery Hildebrandt can do it, but the wait is quite long I think. At least 7 months or so I think.

[richsc]

Dean Cunningham may or may not be willing, you can ask him on Facebook, but it won't be cheap.

But, what is "Mercian" and made of "Mercian" parts supposed to mean?

[John1]

so this is Jeff, eh?
http://royaloakarmoury.com/index.php

that was my Canadian accent

[John1]

Mercian is pertaining to the English Kingdom from where the piece originated, probably from the Pecsaetna sub group;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecsaetna

[Flavivs Aetivs]

I thought Mercia was in Spain?

[John1]

;-) You must be from Merica;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murcia

[richsc]

So in addition to making the helmet, the maker has to be in the geographic region and mine, smelt and pound out the iron or brass from there? Not sure what that has to do with anything. Even the Romans shipped raw materials all over the place.

[John1]

No,. but it would be cool wouldn't it.

[Medicus matt]

it would be great if it could be made in Mercia of Mercian materials.

I'd talk to Roland Williamson of Bodgit and Bendit in Cheltenham. He understands the plastic nature of horn, something that is essential when attempting the Benty Grange, as well as the other materials involved.
https://sites.google.com/site/bodgitbendit/

Having studied the original find drawings, the later photographs and the current remains, I don't think that anyone has actually realised an accurate reconstruction. All those attempted to date have repeated the same mistakes.

[Charlie]

Martin Murphy made a copy of this helm some time back, though it is believed to have some inaccuracies due to later findings and research. It is a beautiful reconstruction.
You can view it on the Wulfheodenas Facebook page...below is a link to the helm and others.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=...780&type=3