Helm

[Sir Brian]

Hard to say, can you post a picture of it? I have occasionally come across some examples of lanyards / chains used to hold the great helm at the base of the neck/upper back as a way of stowage while not being worn. There is one statue of an Italian noble/hero whose name escapes me that has his helm stowed in such a manner. 

[James de Avesnes]

Here's link to what I'm talking about.  It sure does appear to be a chinstrap, but then I am not well versed on this area: 
http://diglit.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/diglit/cpg848/0049?sid=b9253b385963a07516617181469e881a

[Sir James A]

I would wager it's not similar to the cord on samurai helmets, as those had a separate faceplate and head/neck protection. The cord on the samurai armor is what holds it on, but a great helm / sugarloaf / similar styled helm can not be knocked back off your head from a well-placed frontal blow like an untied samurai helmet could. My bet would be on Sir Brian's comment, that it is likely for tying it off and being able to carry it without having to hold it in their hands. Sir Edward made reference to helmet straps worn "around the neck" on some of the earlier period literature last week at MDRF, but I can't remember the exact source.

[Sir Edward]

Yeah, it could be a chin strap or a strap for slinging it over your back when you're not wearing it. There are some great helms with holes near the bottom which are believed to be used for this, but it's not a common feature. Then again, there may be only about 20 surviving great helms in the world.

In Chretien de Troyes, there are a lot of references to shields being hung from the neck. I'm forgetting now if he also makes mention of helms being hung this way.

[Sir James A]

In Chretien de Troyes, there are a lot of references to shields being hung from the neck. I'm forgetting now if he also makes mention of helms being hung this way.

I think that's what I was remembering, the shield strap.

[Sir William]

de Troyes and others have written about the shield being hung from the neck.  Personally, I find it a bit uncomfortable, preferring a longer guige to go over the shoulder.

[Sir Gerard de Rodes]

James, here`s mine before it was fully painted.
There is a photograph of it on my armour stand with the full kit somwhere..........now where is that   
G.

[James de Avesnes]

I can't see the pic Gerard, do you have a link to it?  I have the materials ready, but I wanted all the input I could get before I started construction.  I'll post pics when I get mine finished. 

[Leganoth]

Yeah, it could be a chin strap or a strap for slinging it over your back when you're not wearing it. There are some great helms with holes near the bottom which are believed to be used for this, but it's not a common feature. Then again, there may be only about 20 surviving great helms in the world.

In Chretien de Troyes, there are a lot of references to shields being hung from the neck. I'm forgetting now if he also makes mention of helms being hung this way.

Whats the best material to use to make a torse and mantle

[Sir Gerard de Rodes]

I can't see the pic Gerard, do you have a link to it?  I have the materials ready, but I wanted all the input I could get before I started construction.  I'll post pics when I get mine finished.

Ooops sorry. 

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2220602681705&set=t.611009664&type=3&theater

That`s not an extra large head piece it is actually one of my pages holding the helm lol 

Lippy the lion enjoying a French Sausage.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=497494648499&set=t.611009664&type=3&theater
G.

[Sir Gerard de Rodes]

Another good photograph at the ceremony of the helms at The tournament of Walraversijde. Ostende, Belgium.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=416650968961&set=t.611009664&type=3&theater

And a well deserved rest after the tournament lol
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1760398928207&set=t.611009664&type=3&theater
G.