Helmet crest question

[tDub248]

Does the horse tails or feathers on a coolus or montefortino signify rank? like a Centurio's crest? Sorry, if this is a dumb question. Or do they just think it's cool? thanks guys,

[M. Demetrius]

I don't think they denote rank. As far as I know, that was just for style, but the color of feather? Black seems to be what most people choose--and red. But why? I dunno.

[jkaler48]

I can see the "fall out with feathers, crests, your dress tunic(maybe even white) and well shined armor for the parade" instruction being given.

[Peroni]

The evidence for feather colours comes from Polybius IIRC. He mentions purple and black. Coolus types can carry a regular crest box. Any helmet with a crest finial can utilise one of these crest supports. Many of which have been found.

[Paullus Scipio]

....bearing in mind that 'true' purple was very rare, and that Polybius' 'purple' was actually a crimson colour......

[Peroni]

cheap natural plant dyes, readily available, such as madder and woad combined can give a decent purple. (and don't smell of fish either! :lol: )

Sea Kale, Blackberry and mulberry are good purples too.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

cheap natural plant dyes, readily available, such as madder and woad combined can give a decent purple. (and don't smell of fish either! :lol: )

Sea Kale, Blackberry and mulberry are good purples too.

and don't forget blueberry!

[tDub248]

Sweet! Thanks for the information!

[A_Volpe]

http://www.andyvolpe.com/caesar.htm

I just went with natural colored horse hair - sort of mix of brown, tan, blonde.

Figure the dyed color may have been rank; undyed/natural color may have been regulars.
That's what I'm going on, at least. (and the natural color was cheaper, too)

http://mmhorsehair.com/index.html