Montefortino Crest Knob

[Poftim]

Hello,
As I understand it, most Montefortino-type helmets in use by the Roman Army had a little knob at the top for a crest. I saw a picture of a Montefortino that possibly dated from the 4th century BC without a knob at the top.

How many examples are there of Montefortinos without crest knobs, and did these still have a hole on top, or was it solid?

It seems to me a knob would be a disadvantage in battle, (especially if a sword/whatever caught it)

[Matthew Amt]

Ave!

Yes, most Montefortinos have crest knobs. The Romans and other folks used them very widely for several centuries, so apparently the knob wasn't a problem in battle. There were helmets with far wilder crest fittings back then, so the knob is comparatively unobtrusive.

The one you show (Very nice!) seems to have a few Attic helmet features, so it might not have had a knob. One could argue that the knob is one of the defining features of the Montefortino style so that this helmet should be called something else. Or perhaps the knob was soldered or riveted on and is simply missing--can't tell from that photo.

Vale,

Matthew

[Poftim]

Thanks for the answer Matthew!

I did some looking around and Polybius writes that the velites wore a wolf pelt (or something similar) on their helmets. I wonder if those didn't have the crest knob so the pelt didn't stick up all funny?

Maybe you're right though about the knob being soldered on and it got broke somehow.