Of helmet covers and helmet linings

[mcbishop]

E. Deschler-Erb, R. Fellmann Brugli, & T. Kahlau 2004: 'Ein "Fellhelm" aus Vindonissa', Jahresbericht der Gesellschaft Pro Vindonissa 2004, 3-12

This is the full publication of a helmet (Weisenau, Imperial-Gallic... take your pick) found in an Augustan context in the fortress at Vindonissa. It was found with the mineralised remnants of organic material on both the inside and outside of the bowl. Analysis showed the material inside to be felt, although the authors are uncertain whether it was a cap or a lining, whilst that on the outside was a sewn leather bag, which they decided was specifically designed to contain the helmet.

Mike Bishop

[aitor iriarte]

Thanks for the tip, Mike!
Incidentally, the ca. 300 years younger Deurne helmet preserved its leather bag and was 'full of hair' (decomposed felt...) by the inside when its discoverer's wife washed it for the first time.

Aitor

[Tarbicus]

Do you guys know if the bags were a normal drawstring type, a bit like a pouch, or were they segments stitched together to form some kind of shape around the helmet? Or is it just impossible to tell from the finds?

[Caballo]

Mike,

Thanks- what an excellent Christmas post!

In the mineralised remnants inside the bowl, were there any traces of glue/ resin? I am thinking of the pitch-like substances referred to by Curle?

And re Tarbicus' question, a further possibility might be a leather helmet cover that could be worn on the helmet itself- similar to the oilskin ones worn in Napoleonic times?

Cheers

Paulus

P.S. Unfortunately, Oxbow do not appear to have a copy yet.....

[Tarbicus]

... And re Tarbicus' question, a further possibility might be a leather helmet cover that could be worn on the helmet itself- similar to the oilskin ones worn in Napoleonic times?

Aye indeed, but I suspect they're normal bags. It's been discussed before but I can't find the thread :roll:

[aitor iriarte]

The Deurne bag is a normal drawstring one, made of two pieces sewn together. There were, apparently, two or four coper alloy rings sewn to the upper corners, probably for hanging the closed bag from a nail on the wall or from one of the saddle pommels. :?:

Aitor

[andym]

It might be like the old British Army "Caps Comforter"A woolen affair that was supposed to be worn under the Steel Helmet for comfort and warmth.it is commonly portrayed as being worn by British Commandoes minus the Helmet.

[derek forrest]

It looks unlikely that liners were stuck on iron helmets at any rate. The Guard has been using helmets for longer than most and we have found that the sweat rusts them through from the inside! I appreciate that steel rusts more than iron but allowing for the longer use of the real helmets this would have been a problem. If some form of arming cap is used then this can be washed and the inside of the helmet dried. We have quite a few of these on order at the moment and they will figure prominently this season.

[arklore70]

Do you have a picture of one?

thanks,
Mike

[Caballo]

"We have quite a few of these on order at the moment and they will figure prominently this season."
Interesting! Are you using the Dura Europas cap as a model- and your recommendations for a supplier? I had been thinking of making up one from scratch.
Picture of the Dura Europas cap (an original Roman cap of felt, possibily an arming cap) below, with the "arming cap" from the Aeneas mosaic at Pompeii in the corner as a comparison:-

[MAXIMVS]

My Deepeka helmet has a liner much like a padded tea-cozy.

It's comfortable, but hot on a warm day.

Not very authentic I imagine ... :?

[derek forrest]

Here are the details. I have no pic and there is no provenance as there are no 1st C examples. It is basically a plain felt cap in natural wool.

Rachel Frost
The Crafty Beggars
Wiston
Nr Biggar
Lanarkshire
Scotland
ML12 6HT

Tel: 07854481479

I suggest anyone who wants a skull cap should phone her to tell her of your intention to order one from her because she is very busy. When you place your order tell her you require a skull cap like those ordered by the ESG, they dont have any edging Confirm a price with Rachel and an approx date she will be able to make it by . She will only start making the skull cap once she has received your order and your head measurement (measured across forehead and above your ears), she charged us £25 for ours.

[derek forrest]

Mine has now arrived and i shall post a pic. Looks ideal. Nice shape and colour very comfortbale and with a long letter from Rachel telling me its come from a sheep called "Brouni"