Feathers for Helmets

[Agricola]

I've got an Imperial-Gallic F helmet (Besançon ) and I've been wondering what type of feathers to use for the two crest holders on the side of the helmet. I originally got crow's feathers, but I've ditched them as I can't find any information to verify their historicity. Can anyone give me any information on what types of feathers that were used, whether they were dyed, and where I could purchase them - if they aren't readily available around the British countryside.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Robert]

Given the fact that the feathers would be an addition to the overall appearance, feathers of a fierce origian may be called for. Buzzards are common, pretty large birds, nice feathers, certainly tail and upper wing. But perhaps a hawk has the more fearsome reputation, buzzards are known for eating carrion and preying on mice and grasshoppers :-) Crow, well, better raven, but both get a bad rap .... Unless you are a Viking, then raven would be great.

[LUCIUS ALFENUS AVITIANUS]

If you want big ones, vultur or stork are fine. But duck, goose, will be used too. Here in Spain, some tinted feathers are available in carnival costume shops.

[Robert]

I would think natural feathers would be the best way to go ...

[Flavivs Aetivs]

Peacock seems to have been common for high-ranking individuals in the Late Roman/Byzantine era.

[Crispvs]

I use goose feathers with my normal front to back brush crest. On my transverse crest I used about seventy of the iridescent blue/green/purple feathers from the wings of mallard ducks, but you might find duck feathers disappointingly short as side plumes.

Whatever you decide to use, a useful tip I picked up from Martin White of the ESG, and which I use myself, is to drill holes into two short dowels and stick the quills of the feathers into these before inserting them into the feather tubes of your helmet. This makes for a much better fit and helps prevent the breeze catching your feathers and carrying them off.

Crispvs

[Luuk]

For an entirely different reason (painting model soldiers), I'm very interested in part of the original posters question: dying of the feathers: does anyone know which colours were used? assuming they were dyed at all

Thanks for you help!

[Agricola]

Thanks for all of your replies guys, you've been very helpful.