Wednesday, December 2, 2015

14th C. Transitional Armor Update

Ah, another non-gaming/painting post, but a post nonetheless. Just had to try on the haubergeon made out of aluminum that arrived in the mail today. Amazingly fast shipping from India using DHL delivery service; four days from ordering it off of ebay. It was only $48 USD including shipping, so had to get it. I know, I know, I could've picked up box of Victrix Hoplites for around the same price...forgive me. Anyway, it's under 10 pounds - haven't weighed it, but it's supposed be about a third lighter than steel. Can't see wearing that weight since I don't plan on getting bashed around in combat. It is a bit bright, although anodized; I'll see how I can darken it - either by spray painting it or possibly chemically treating it.
The aventail is steel and you can see the difference in color. Incidentally, I shortened the aventail by several rows, as it hung down too low for my tastes. I also lowered the bascinet visor by drilling new holes and filling the old holes with solder. Nothing major, but now the eye slits line up perfectly.
The frogging for the sword scabbard is another ebay cheapy - $8.00 USD, but works very nicely.
Black leather dye was used on the dagger sheath to match the rest of the harness. The dagger was shortened by about an inch using a hack saw and file; the sheath was shortened as well. Leather thongs from JoAnn's was used to suspend the sheath using a method seen in period illustrations; basically looped over the belt. I stitched the thong to the sheath, I also stitched the aventail liner to the inside of the helmet - even my wife says I'm getting good at sewing. Well so much for now - I am  hoping to add leg and arm plate armor in the near future. Might try making mail sabatons with the left over rings from the aventail shortening. Happy Holidays to all!

UPDATE - after soaking the mail overnight in a bucket of bleach, it was then sprayed with Pam cooking spray. It now looks a bit darker and more realistic.
 

30 comments:

  1. yes indeed another amazing looking outfit your wearing Dean!
    we need you to play for the Seahawks next Sunday vs. the Minnesota Vikings! ;o)

    cheers,

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    1. Thanks, Phil! Hopefully the Hawks will be more like Normans using the best Saga tactics to defeat those Viks :) Best, Dean

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks you very much, Ray. It's getting there. Warm regards, Dean

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  3. Nice one. Sewing/stitching is is a great skill to have!

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    1. It sure is, Nate. Thanks. I even stitched the leather in the gauntlets - after shortening the cuffs and tightening the fingers. Regards, Dean

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    1. Lol! Thanks so much, Mike! Warm regards, Dean

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  5. Your getting closer every post to full knight Dean. Looks great!

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks, Christopher. Hope to darken the aluminum using bleach - a process that supposedly should work from what I found on the internet. Best, Dean

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan! I'm hoping for a generic, no nonsense look. Best, Dean

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    1. Thank ye kindly, Simon :) Warm regards, Dean

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  8. Replies
    1. Thank you much, Phil! It is getting there ;) Regards, Dean

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  9. Looking good Dean, better every time!
    Best wishes,
    Jason

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    1. Thanks Jason. Appreciate the visit and kind words. Regards Dean

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  10. Very cool. You just need a moustache that protrudes beyond your aventail like the recumbent images on medieval caskets!

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    1. Thanks! I wish I could grow an appropriate 'stache; problem is I only get stubble. Warm regards, Dean

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  11. Now that I'm doing a French HYW force I find this post very interesting.

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    1. Thanks, Ken. I've never done reenacting (or SCA or HEMA), but love the look and have always been a collector of sorts. Did you see my earlier posts with a padded jupon/gambeson. It's the type seen worn by French in late 14th illustrations; at least by the MAA types, I think. The nobles would likely be wearing their arms on their jupons/tabards. Best, Dean

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  12. Anodized aluminum....really. Must be a clear coat of anodizing. That has to be bright. When I want to dull or coat with paint sheet aluminum, I'll often use a scotch brite pad to prep it.

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    1. Thanks for the info on that, PC. After the soaking in bleach, the rings had a bit rougher finish; hence the spray coating of Pam to smooth it out again. Being butted, being too rough with it - like scouring it with a bad, would likely open rings. Warm regards, Dean

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  13. Looking real nice and the extra effort paid of!

    Have you thought about rolling it in a barrel with sand? In ancient and medieval times this was done to remove rust from chainmail, but with the aluminium it might roughen up the surface and take some of that shine away.

    Are you still going to wear that breastplate now?

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    1. Thanks, Burkhard! I appreciate the interest - not gaming related and all. The original "chrome" appearance is totally muted - darkened and dulled. I actually washed off the Pam spray coating last night and sprayed it with a satin clearcoat. Much nicer to handle now. I will definitely be wearing the breastplate over it - can't wait to get leg and arm plate harness to complete the kit. Merry Christmas, Dean

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  14. Replies
    1. Thanks a lot, Brendon. Hope to have some plate soon. Best, Dean

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