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Author Topic: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection  (Read 15147 times)

merc3065

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Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« on: 2012-01-17, 14:01:17 »
Anyone have some suggestions/ideas?
I had some photos taken last night with my new helmet and full harness on, but my neck was still fully exposed underneath the helmet's lower edge.
Keep in mind I can't fit a coif underneath the helmet so I think my options are a little limited.

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #1 on: 2012-01-17, 14:36:14 »

Historically they'd have been used with a coif, but since that doesn't fit with yours, probably the next best thing is to cheat and use a mail standard. Those weren't really used until much later with plate armor, but at least it would look mostly right when you have it all on (hence the cheating).
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merc3065

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #2 on: 2012-01-17, 18:14:41 »
Whatever works I say!

Is there an arming cap that isn't padded?  Like a little bonnet or something that just covers your hair? 
I've got a padded arming cap I use with my coif and I can't really wear that underneath on the helmet as there's already padding inside my helmet.  Hence why I can't really wear a coif.  But I wonder how badly the coif would dig in through some thin/unpadded linen or how comfortable it would be.  Probably not that comfortable since it's almost 100% direct skin contact with the maille.


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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #3 on: 2012-01-17, 19:34:14 »

Yes, a thin fabric cap is certainly doable. I don't know of any sellers off hand (the Revival Clothing one is fairly thick), but they're easy to make too. This sort of cap would frequently be worn as headwear by itself, so it's a very period option.
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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #4 on: 2012-01-17, 20:12:24 »
As Sir Ed says, I think a mail standard would look the part and is a good compromise if you can`t fit a mail coif under your helm.
I wear a large mail standard as an option instead of the aventail on my Houndskull bassinet.
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merc3065

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #5 on: 2012-01-17, 20:28:04 »
I like the standard that you showed.  That looks like it may do the trick if the light arming cap doesn't work out.  I'm just concerned that the chain coif I have will dig into my head. 

Thorsteinn

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #6 on: 2012-01-17, 21:04:20 »
My friend owns this helm and the attached aventail. Perhaps hiding an aventail inside the helm might be an option?

Are you doing any combat in it?

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merc3065

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #7 on: 2012-01-18, 00:25:07 »
This is my helmet:


I will be doing combat in it so I need something that will keep me from getting stuck in the neck.  Not full out combat re-enactment (light controlled sparring) mind you, but for safety's sake I would feel more comfortable covering my neck.

Sir Wolf

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #8 on: 2012-01-18, 01:43:15 »
you usually wear this with your full plate outfit right? your gorget needs to have a neck rim. you can see one on mine:

merc3065

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #9 on: 2012-01-18, 02:07:14 »
Makes sense, and yes, I wear it with the plate.

So I need a different gorget than what I have currently as the one I have just connects the pauldrons together in the other thread.

That may actually solve both problems by getting a different gorget...

Leganoth

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #10 on: 2012-01-18, 02:32:55 »
if u want somthing to hold your hair get a thin ski mask

Sir Wolf

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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #12 on: 2012-01-18, 16:01:05 »
I use a vintage pilot's leather helmet for my liner...but I'm not fighting currently, so it is suitable for dress purposes.  You could put an aventail on the helm thereby making it look as if you're wearing a maille coif w/out actually having to, and your neck will be better protected.
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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #13 on: 2012-01-18, 22:29:40 »
Historically they'd have been used with a coif, but since that doesn't fit with yours, probably the next best thing is to cheat and use a mail standard. Those weren't really used until much later with plate armor, but at least it would look mostly right when you have it all on (hence the cheating).

Yep, I second Sir Edward's suggestion of the mail standard. If you do a plastic/leather-backed standard, you can ditch the gorget you have now and use just the standard. And with the solid backing behind it, it's still protective; and more than just a regular aventail/coif would be, too.
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Re: Sugarloaf helmet, suggestions for neck protection
« Reply #14 on: 2012-01-19, 13:34:46 »
http://clang.adkinssoftware.com/gorg%20pics/gorg%2016th%20C%2001.html

http://clang.adkinssoftware.com/gorg%20pics/gorg%20mantle%20l-s%2001.html

just examples

Thanks for posting these links Sir Wolf! I've made an inquiry about his in stock
items and it looks like I'll be getting this one:  ;)
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