Recently had an Etsy seller go under (they seemed legit with various reviews and photos from buyers etc) but regardless I managed to get a full refund no issue.
So I’m looking for reputable sellers with custom sizing etc.
HBC has a very nice klappvisor Bascinet with both styles of visor (Houndskull and klappvisor) - anyone had any experience with this seller/company?
Progress on the “Frankenhelm” which is just me converting one of those cheap “Visored Barbutes” that I got for £50 into something a little closer to a historical helm. Aiming for a Sitten Bascinet style visor as shown in final pic for reference but instead of klappvisor mechanism it will be side pivots.
Lots more dishing on the nose area - I really want that almost bulbous swelling profile and I’ll light the forge probably Friday morning to hot forge the “crease” and flick at the bottom of the visor as well as try and box up and square off those oculars.
Vervelles on order so should be able to fix the aventail properly and then I’ll tailor it and add a padded collar to it that I’ll sew myself.
Made from 1.6mm mild sheet steel.
I know I need to dish out the face and forehead pieces more and then a lot of planishing all over.
All cold worker so far but I regret not lighting the forge to do this one as the dishing out is tiring and slow going.
What do you guys reckon?
I haven’t attached the aventail properly yet as I may send it back for a smaller size once in stock.
What do you lot think?
Managed to get in touch with a mechanic who specialises in bodywork and restoration of classic cars etc and he’s willing to give my breastplate a go in the English Wheel he has, but he’s asked for a few reference templates of the curvature.
I’m aiming for a late 14th century Globose Breastplate, fairly simple. Ive cut and attempted to shape as best I can but haven’t got the nice spherical curve and I don’t have access to another to copy from.
My current plan is to try and build a “skeleton” of the breastplate out of cardboard curves both vertical and horizontal so I basically have a mesh of the piece that he could fit inside the steel to check the shaping? I’ll just be guessing the curvature by eye.
Any pointers or suggestions?
Ive learnt a lot making this so the left arm will hopefully be more accurate to the period and fit better.
Comments and suggestions for improvements welcome!
My current setup which is a mix of bought and made. Would appreciate feedback.
Made by myself:
Gorget (both the sport-style throat pieces and the more historical pieces) I am looking to ditch the sport style piece and add a thinner, slightly less tall section to the lower Gorget so it’s more historically accurate. But these are comfotrable enough and being 1.8mm could take an axe blow and save my neck.
Mail Gloves
Right arm harness (half finished - needs a rivet repair, shorten the vambrace as it’s too long with the demiguantlets, needs straps adding spaulders are in the garage not yet riveted.
Purchased:
Gambeson
Cuisses
Demi-Gauntlets (thought they were too big at first but with gloves they probably just need a slight tweak to get a more snug fit)
Still to make:
Breastplate
Left arm harness (and spaulder)
Left mail glove is missing two fingers
Greaves??
Mail skirt??
What do you reckon?