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Greek Helmets With Scales
#1
Does anyone have any over pieces that show helmets with scales? Is there any evidence for this or was it just an artists interpretation of painted scales on helmets?


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#2
They certainly existed, back to the time of Mittani: http://z8.invisionfree.com/Bronze_Age_Ce...topic=1120
The Scythians, probably contemporary with those depictions had scale armour helmets with the scales imbricated upwards, like those depicted on the helmet bowls. Given the scale context in those depictions, wouldn't surprise me a bit if those were scale helmets. As scale helmets can be heavy, it would make some sense that just the bowls were scaled in the case of these hoplites.
Seems as though most folks believe they were just painted on, though

Qui sepeliunt capita sua in terra, deos volantes non videbunt.
--Flavius Flav 
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#3
Thanks but is there any greek helmets found that have scales on them? I assume not.
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#4
Spiros, I do not know of any either but I had always thought these depictions showed embossing
and so was mildly surprised when I saw painted reproductions and the (now) famous replica made by Manning Imperial.
regards
Richard Robinson
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#5
If Greek examples existed, they probably would be constructed like the Scythian examples; the scales would be sewn on, not riveted.

Qui sepeliunt capita sua in terra, deos volantes non videbunt.
--Flavius Flav 
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#6
All good responses. I am wondering why the scales would be shown facing upward while it is better to have them facing down any theories?
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#7
They were constructed both ways; earlier helmets appear to have the scales imbricated downwards, while many surviving Scythian examples have the scales imbricated upwards; either configuration would work well. They were the most expensive helmets available in the Bronze Age in the Near and Middle East, being reserved for elite charioteers, as they were such a pain in the posterior to construct.

Qui sepeliunt capita sua in terra, deos volantes non videbunt.
--Flavius Flav 
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#8
If you want to make an "accurate" reproduction of one of those Greek helmets, I could tell you how to do it..

Qui sepeliunt capita sua in terra, deos volantes non videbunt.
--Flavius Flav 
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#9
that would be quite helpful Big Grin. I have been wanting to make one ever since ive seen one depicted
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#10
this is cool:
https://www.facebook.com/VMBulgaria/phot...45/?type=1
regards
Richard R
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#11
Quote:this is cool:
https://www.facebook.com/VMBulgaria/phot...45/?type=1
regards
Richard R
Yeah! That one is spectacular. Scale armour helmets are some of the most beautiful helmets ever made (IMHO).

Qui sepeliunt capita sua in terra, deos volantes non videbunt.
--Flavius Flav 
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#12
Quote:that would be quite helpful Big Grin. I have been wanting to make one ever since ive seen one depicted
Spiros, it is a daunting project.. Give me some time and I'll create and post some diagrams and instructions in this thread, so that other folks can see it too!

Qui sepeliunt capita sua in terra, deos volantes non videbunt.
--Flavius Flav 
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#13
Thank you. I showed my teacher some of the depictions of the scale helmets and he said he would be willing to help me build it.
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#14
Here is a thread about Todd's initial attempts. The helmets are pretty impressive
http://z8.invisionfree.com/Bronze_Age_Ce...owtopic=60

He was generous enough to make one for me too and charged me way too little for all the work involved. He made me promise to post a photo of me wearing it, which is in the first thread he linked to.
http://z8.invisionfree.com/Bronze_Age_Ce...topic=1120
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books
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#15
Those helmets are just beautiful. I would like to see a Greek Corinthian helmet with scales though as that it my main interest but these have given me some insight.
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