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Historical
background
The Gjermundbu helmet is based on a Viking helmet found in a Norwegian burial mound in 1943 with other artefacts such as chain mail, sheath fittings, swords, horse gear and many tools. Found in nine fragments, the helmet has been re-constructed and is now on display in the Museum of National Antiquities ( "Oldsaksamlinga") in Oslo, Norway. It dates from around 970 AD and is considered to be the finest helmet found of that era. The spectacle provided excellent facial and nasal protection, while chain mail provided flexible protection to the back and sides of the neck. The helmet consists of four steel plates riveted with ribs (inside and outside), a spectacle probably with inlayed decoration, a pike at the apex and banding. This helmet is the only example of Viking helmet with a spectacle for that period. This helmet is thought to have belonged to a wealthy chieftain. Håkon I the Good was Norway's king at the time. He ruled Norway from approximately 945 to 970 AD. Archaeologists believe that the chieftain's grave found at Gjermundbu must have been his close associate, or even a relative. |
Reconstruction of a helmet found in Gjermundbu, Norway, 10th century. Description Materials used: Hot rolled, constructional steel, middle carbon (0,4% of carbon). The bowl is made of 2mm thick steel. The spectacle is made of 3mm thick steel. Includes leather lining. How it is made: This helmet is a faithful reproduction of the original. The bowl, spectacle, pike, and rivets are identical to the original find up to the number of rivets used. The bowl is made out of 4 triangle shaped steel plates welded together then riveted together with 4 ribs, inside and outside so that the welding is not visible. The outside ribs are hand forged to make them look as close to the original as possible. Steel spike on top of the bowl. Engraved "eyebrows" spectacle riveted to the bowl. Two versions of polish are available: - patina finish bowl and spectacle in the same colour, - patina finish bowl with ighter spectacle and ribs. Price Please contact us for prices and availability. |