I always wanted a Roxolani spangenhelm as pictured on Trajan's Column, so a year ago I ordered this one from Greg Kulig at Thorkil Armour. No nose-guard to interfere with sighting in archery, and Greg reproduced the design accurately... all except the bluing, which needs to be removed. Vinegar? Or will I spend hours scrubbing with 000 steel wool?
It's fashioned in true spangen construction (rare these days). On its way from Poland at the time of this post. I can't wait!
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
For anyone out there who wants to remove bluing?-- here's a hint.
I soaked the helmet in 2 1/2 gallons of white vinegar for 5 hours!
Here it is in a beautiful steel color. :grin:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Merlot in one hand, Cigar in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!
I didn't reply to the initial post as I didn't want to encourage you! :-)
But, it looks fantastic sans bluing too!
Great helmet and impression in the other post!
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours!
Titus Flavius Germanus
Batavian Coh I
Byron Angel
It's easy to smile on my new avatar when wearing this helmet.
Greg did a great job, a wonderful craftsman, and I hope he's not offended that I removed the bluing. Just a soak and a light buff with 000 steel wool. It turned out spectacular, authentic, and I'm proud to wear it. :lol:
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
Quote:This is a really great job… and the steel color looks great!
It's nice to have something more or less correct. :grin:
Greg asked me if I wanted steel or brass bands, and I opted for brass. The two metals showcase each other.
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
We all strive for that "correct look," but in my case there are too few original illustrations. Other than Trajan's Column, we have the Orlat Battle Plaque... but that's about it, I think. A good part of any Alanic impression is probably educated guessing. And even then, someone will disagree. But the important thing is to try. :wink:
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
Don't ride anymore, Robert. A bone-density problem that arrives with age. But I used to ride quarterhorse, American style. Only later did I become interested in the Alans, basically as a spin-off while studying the Goths. Still an archer, and I'm one of the first certified instructors on steppe bowmanship in the U.S.
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb