Coif Ventail

[Mike W.]

I've got a coif that is in desperate need of a ventail. I was wondering if anyone knew of any particular patterns or methods of constructing one. All my internet searches seem to pull up aventials for bascinet helms instead.

[Sir Nate]

Although I purchased mine, I'll show you pics, maybe that can help.

[Sir Nate]

It's triangular with leather inside, and you can see the leather triangle is wider than the the maille. As far as connecting to the coif itself, the maille follows the pattern of the coif.
The leather also folds about a half inch over the maille.

[Sir William]

I think what Nate has is as close as you're going to get if you're on a budget; its actually better looking up close.  If you're into living history (or aspire to that lofty goal) then you'll probably need to start talking to someone who can tailor and manipulate maille as that's something that isn't mass produced so far as I know, it'll have to be built onto an existing coif, or better yet, a new coif would have to be built.

[Sir Nate]

My coif was only 40 bucks.
Even though it's butted it really well made, all the rings are fully enclosed.

[Sir Wolf]

there is also the bib version. that connects at the base and ties on both sides of the coif

[Mike W.]

I'm assuming the leather is laced/sewn onto the back of the maille?

[Sir James A]

Thin leather will easily fold over and you can stitch it together through the rings themselves, keeping it in place. I have a mail standard that I stitched to a very robust leather backing (used to be a weight belt).

If you're looking for a specific design or style, the best thing is to go to the most original source you can. Effigies / brasses, or period artwork. If that doesn't lead anywhere satisfactory, you can try from modern pieces.

If you haven't seen this site yet, it's amazing:
http://www.effigiesandbrasses.com/

[Sir William]

Actually, where is Sir Nathan?  He built a ventail onto his exiting coif and it came out rather well- I didn't get to see it upclose too much as he was wearing it at the time, but I think he did a tutorial on here somewhere.  Ah, here it is:  http://modernchivalry.org/forum/index.php/topic,1572.msg19384.html#msg19384

Ok, it isn't about the ventail, but about tailoring the coif itself.  Still, there's some good info on tailoring that is worth reading.  Might be helpful, Nate.

[Sir Nate]

Ya I need to tailor some stuff I'll take a look.
Thanks sir William

[Sir William]

You and me both, Nate.  I botched things up my first try...patience is a virtue - especially when working with maille.

[Sir James A]

You and me both, Nate.  I botched things up my first try...patience is a virtue - especially when working with maille.

Amateur! I've successfully made 3 shirts too small after tailoring.

Fingers crossed the 4th will turn out right. Hauberk is looking fine so far, body done and half-sleeve on one side too.

[Sir William]

UGH!!!  I couldn't stand it- drove me nuts when I couldn't get my fat arm in just below the shoulder; got frustrated and tried to force it and ended up with a neat little scar at the eyebrow where a rivet dragged a little too hard.  I don't have the hand or the patience for it.  But 3 hauberks...what'd you do with them?

[Don Jorge]

UGH!!!  I couldn't stand it- drove me nuts when I couldn't get my fat arm in just below the shoulder; got frustrated and tried to force it and ended up with a neat little scar at the eyebrow where a rivet dragged a little too hard.  I don't have the hand or the patience for it.  But 3 hauberks...what'd you do with them?

He gain'd some wait during the process and is now known as Sir Cumference...put the donuts down Sir James! ::looks at rotund figure:: Leave some for us fat folk!

[Sir Nate]

There's nothing wrong with a little meat on the belt.