Carnuntum Helmet

Here’s the rough partial translation of Carnuntum Jahrbuch 2005, pp 122-123, written by Dr. Robert Fahr..
"As far as still being recognizable, it was originally an ordinary infantry helmet of the Weisenau / Imperial Gallic G-H type. Though some very exceptional modifications were made on that piece: It was completely lacking of all mounted parts (ornamental rivets, brow guard, cheek guards and so on). Only the remains of the rivets serving to attach the cheek guards and the brow guard were visible. The neck guard was cut off. The helmet’s bowl was rammed in the longitudinal direction. The material accrued by that treatment was folded/grooved in the area of the ear cut-outs.

The surface of the bowl was covered with a fur-like material. The rim was edged with an approx. 3 cm wired stripe of leather. Below this leather-stripe four tube-like remains of quills were found in the forehead area. A sure reconstruction of this undoubtedly highly exotic appearance of this helmet isn’t possibly any more. The helmet might have a nearly cap-like look when being deposited."

Carnuntum Helmet, the production of DSC for Armamentaria, from a private collection that was displayed at Carnuntum recently. Unique in that it has a simple copper alloy bowl in the fashion of the Gallic 'I' but with none of the fancy bits such as embossed eyebrows, decorative rivet bosses and embossed steps on the occipital and neck guard. The only embellishment is a crest spike.

This is really unusual in that it has contrasting iron cheek guards with brass edging. The brass and iron combination it looks stunning, and really stand apart from the other Gallic and italic types out on the field.

(btw we have not adding the brass appliqué to the right cheek guard)

The helmet is dated to the late first century, but helmets of this type can be seen on Tropaeum Traiani (with a crest finial). The Gaillic and Italic styles of the first century were probably still in use toward the later second century.

PEOPLE'S CPOMMENTS :

• The bowl shape looks good, it is deep enough like the original. Also the brass of the bowl looks thick which is also good. Wow ! Especially the bowl looks spectacular! - Virilis/ Jyrki Halme TOXOPHILITE

• It looks great.I think i have finally chosen my imperial helmet, hehehe... Impressive...i want one of these, Awesome helmet, man. I'll be waiting for it when you receive units... - Israel M. Sánchez Mulae Mari- Legio VIIII Hispana

• Fan-f*****g-tastic! The bottom of the occupital is level with the bottom of the ear!!!!!Makes a change! At last! Great work. When you see a photo like that, you realize what it was all about Protection of the skull without hindering the neck. It's the best non-custom shape yet that I've seen. It has the ideal proportional form that correlates to ACTUAL Roman helmets. Took delivery of one of these beauties this morning. What can I say? Unique, beautifully made, superb shaping and proportions. A great reconstruction sat proudly on the shelf. - TARBICvS/Jim Bowers CALIGATvS CAVORTvS NINIvS
  

• Very nice! Keep up the good work, ade ! - Jvrjenivs Peregrinvs Magnvs A.K.A. Jurjen Draaisma

• Wow, nicework......I wonder what they could do with a brass neidermormter.... Look at the join of the neckguard.... I may have to order one after all......arrghhh no resist resist... The neck flanges look good on it tho' certainly deflection orientated! The helmet looks great! I think this is great start, and hope to see more helmets in the future.. That is for sure Jef, I am sure these helmets that DSC makes are going to be winners, I just can't wait to see the next one. I am really looking forward to the next one Ade!! - Gaius Julius Caesar/ was Marcus/Byron Angel Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS

• This is a great looking helmet. I love the shape. This really is spot on! - Jef Pinceel a.k.a. Marcvs Mvmmivs Falco LEG XI CPF COH V (BELGIUM)

• .... and i agree, a great looking helmet. I think i'll have to get one of these. Maius/Bill

• Fine! Good work! - Cesar Pocinya LEGIO PRIMA GERMANICA

• That is a very nice job, particularly given that these guys are only working from a few photographs! Laudes from me Ade. - Sulla Felix AKA Barry Coomber

• Hi Alauddin & Vijay, Welcome to RAT! Your new roman equipments are great! Lauds! I look forward to many further roman stuffs from you - Lucius Domitius Aurelianus Patrik Pföstl

• Great looking helmet. - Titus Licinius Neuraleanus aka Lee Holeva

• Hahahaha! Great Job Adrian...it's really nice to be able to choose a large (and still growing) variety of helmets. - Magnus/Matt LEGIO IIII FLAVIA FELIX

• Two days ago, i received the Carnuntum-Helmet What a wonderfull and special helmet. In our group, we have nothing what is similar. Even our Tony Feldon Auxillary-C and Frisius-F Theilenhofen are metal scrap against this great helmet - Optio Marcus Athenobarbus COH. IIII VINDELICORUM