Crests with tails

[Marcus Mummius]

Salve,

I'm planning to make a new horsehair crest and I'm looking at the different options.

Apart from the standard crests I've seen quite a few that have longer hair at the back, almost forming a tail.

Here are two examples:

Picture from the site of the Swiss Legio XI CPF:



Pictures of RAT member Crispus wearing such a crest (red crest with black tail) can be found on this page:

http://www.andyespin.com/events/citc/trial/

I'd post a direct link but as these people seem to be selling these pictures I won't risk it

These crests sure look good, but is there any evidence for or against such crests in the 1st century AD?

Vale,

[Caius Valens]

Salve Caius here Nicely done Pics of Christ Trial. Thoses crests look great , Somebody must make them is it possible to buy one ? I want one. Cheers Caius/thomas

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Hi,Jef,
I've always associated tails on crests with Greek helms but I'm no expert.
Even that may be incorrect. I know that you and your group always lean toward "reasonably" accurate, though, so I'd say more evidence is needed. ( I say reasonable because sometimes there's not enough pro or con) It does look pretty cool.

BTW-which one's Crispus?

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Caius Valens\\n[quote] Thoses crests look great , Somebody must make them is it possible to buy one ? I want one.

Caius, Terry Nix has them in several colors and combinations.

[Marcus Mummius]

BTW-which one's Crispus?

He's the one with the blue side plumes.

Another group that's using this crest design very heavily is the Römercohorte from Opladen.

Also I know Peronis made such a tailed crest for one of his coolus helmets.

So it seems to be quite generaly accepted. But on what grounds I wonder?

Vale,

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

I always thought Peronis' crest on the coolus was one of the early type
that is "all tail" such as worn on a Monte, et al. I better look closer.
Thanks for pointing out Crispus. Always good to see what out brothers in arms look like.

Maybe Peroni or Matt Amt will see this and comment.

[Marcus Mummius]

Peronis has different crests and plumes :wink:

I found this picture in the coolus G thread:

[Crispvs]

Robinson illustrates a number of sculptural examples of crests in the chapter on the subject. At least one of those examples (I can't check right now as I don't have my copy with me) clearly shows a tail.

Incidentally, most of our crests are made by Iustus, who is the soldier who is shown bareheaded in one of the photos of the scourging of Christ.
I believe Peronis makes his own (which probably explains why he has so many variations) as well as those of the other auxiliaries.

Crispvs

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

I think Len Morgan makes them, but could be wrong!

[Marcus Mummius]

Robinson illustrates a number of sculptural examples of crests in the chapter on the subject. At least one of those examples (I can't check right now as I don't have my copy with me) clearly shows a tail.

Crispvs

That sounds very promising, thanks!

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

Salve,

I’m not sure if “tailsâ€

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Well, if that isn't evidence of feathers and crests I'll eat my Gallic 'D'

I would say they are all tailed too, even if with a Hellenic Flavour!
I would be tempted to try that image myself...

[Marcus Mummius]

Thanks for posting these Anthony!

[Magnus]

I think you can make the crest the same way you would one without the tail, just don't cut hair that goes in the last few rows. Making the crest isn't very hard...I just used pine for mine. Cut it with a hand jigsaw, and drilled out the holes with a regular drill.

[Peroni]

I always thought Peronis' crest on the coolus was one of the early type
that is "all tail" such as worn on a Monte, et al. I better look closer.

As Crispvs wrote, I have a selection! I have horsetail plumes for some helmets and 'brush' types for others. It also depends on the occasion! Full parade kit usually warrants the wearing of the brush and feathers combination!

I have recently made this black one which has no tail, but can be worn front to back or transversely. as in this pic

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/ ... CF2286.jpg