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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2009 5:46:28 GMT
Well, this is an interesting story...
I recently got a large bonus at work and was debating wheather or not to invest in some new armor for WMA expositions. In the end, I decided against it - opting to just gear up on some new faire leather from Ravenswood.
Well, I go to my WMA practice yesterday. Once I got finished, my instructor says - "I got a bunch of old armor odds and ends at the house sitting around rusting that you can have if you want them."
We go to his house and he pulls out an old trunk, depositing the following on the floor:
A Churburg-style breastplate sans strapping. A set of 5-lame pauldrons, sans strapping. A set of full plate greaves (shin and calf coverage). A full mail skirt.
I stood there looking at the stuff on the garage floor, and he asked if I wanted it. Naturally, I replied yes. I was more thankful than I could express - because to me, this is just an awesome gift...
The condition of these was not really bad. There is surface rust and some minor pitting in areas, but nothing that cannot be sandblasted and refinished with 400g. Some of the internal strapping needs to be redone, but it would be no problem. I have all the steel I need.
I figure an investment of some elbow grease and $40 worth of straps and buckles will make it good as new. Once I add my steel copped legs and arms from Schmitthenner, it will end up being a pretty nice set for general WMA fighting/expos.
I've ordered everything needed (straps, rivets, and buckles) off eBay earlier. I'll post pictures here as I work on making it servicable. With a lick and a prayer, this should end up being a pretty sweet deal.
Updates will be forthcoming...
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Post by shadowhowler on Mar 10, 2009 5:51:23 GMT
Free is always nice...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2009 11:26:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2009 12:52:57 GMT
That is pretty cool. When I first started the SCA back in1995 a guy gave me a helm, which is typically the most expensive piece of equipment one needs to get started in the SCA. He just said if you every leave the SCA or get a new helm pass it on to another newbie.
That was one of my first impression of the SCA and it was a good one.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2009 16:26:43 GMT
You can't beat free; that is for sure. A harness like that would run you easily $500+ brand new just for the breastplate/backplate- even MRL's 18 ga. showpiece costs more; that it has some wear and tear only makes it look more authentic; plus it can be fun to polish the armor to see what it looks like freshened up.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2009 0:51:20 GMT
I spent a few hours last week getting most of the rust off of these. At least now, there is no orange oxidation present. There are still a few places with black pitting, but I might leave these for a battle-worn look. I have no real desire to have a sparkling new looking kit anyway. I'll continue to polish a little on the finish as I go, but its good enough for now. I was able to get the greaves and spaulders done this morning. I added 1" heel bar buckles and 1" wide straps to both, tapped the spaulders for shoulder lacing points, and worked on the finish a little bit more. I decided to leave off the greave back plates for now. I find them a little cumbersome when sparring. I may add them later or convert them into another set of greaves down the road. I also cut and punched some lacing points I plan on adding to a gambeson this evening. More updates forthcoming...
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Post by kidcasanova on Mar 17, 2009 1:28:23 GMT
Looking great Odingaard! And free...hmm, I'd guess there's about a thousand dollars (easily more, really). Very nice of your instructor to give it to you.
Looking forward to any updates.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2009 9:14:18 GMT
I tossed out my original arming points (last photo above) because they were far too thin to support much weight/movement. I recut some more out of extra thick 10 oz leather. These are over 1/8" thick and will serve well to suport more weight. I also made matching 10 oz leather backings for them and dyed them all black and glossed them. I then RIVETED these to the arming doublet I am working on, supplemented with some Gorilla Glue under the points. I made points for the spaulders, upper arm cannon, elbow cop, and legs (though I will probably wear a C-belt for the armor - I wanted them just in case). Now, I could wear a Volkswagen for a pauldron and not have these give out. I'll lose a sleeve before I lose a spaulder. I like the look as well. ;D The Arming Doublet is complete! Waiting on more strap to arrive to do up the curiass and maille skirt...
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Post by sparky on Mar 17, 2009 21:49:43 GMT
odingaard, That is GREAT, you can't beat free ;D. Also think about how much fun you are having "fixing it up". Thanks for including all of the pictures, I'm enjoying them. Sparky ps- just a little envy on my part
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Post by shadowhowler on Mar 17, 2009 21:56:57 GMT
Looking good Sarge... but if you ware that to the upcomming RenFaire... you WILL melt. You know that right?
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Post by sparky on Mar 17, 2009 21:58:32 GMT
Looking good Sarge... but if you ware that to the upcomming RenFaire... you WILL melt. You know that right? Right but he'll look GOOD doing it ;D
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2009 0:18:37 GMT
Thanks for the complements.
The arming doublet I made is a hell of alot lighter/thinner than a padded gambeson/maille shirt. LOL. I tried doing a full hauberk/gambeson before - and let me tell you, that setup makes an Interceptor vest feel like a bikini.
As for getting hot, I always melt at the faires/Dragon*Con anyway. I am used to it by now. If its too hot, I'll change into something cooler - I always carry plenty of junk I can change into just in case. My car trunk ends up being a wardrobe/arming chest. ;D
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Post by kidcasanova on Mar 18, 2009 0:41:54 GMT
*Makes note to steal Odin's car*
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2009 2:27:27 GMT
lol, A man with a death wish.
Nice work Odingaard, a very nice find. It is looking great.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2009 1:18:01 GMT
I completed strapping the breastplate today. I then gave the arming jacket a try and put everything on. The fit is phenominal, I was doing pushups, touching my toes, moving every way possible with absolutely no hinderance. The weight is not even noticable - all together, I am wearing perhaps 8 lbs. The improved lacing points are super sturdy and don't pull on the neckline at all. I can now see why this type of segmented cuirass became so popular in it's time. I used some temporary hemp laces until my new spool of latigo lace comes in next week. The latigo will improve the stability, but for the time being, the thin hemp worked suprisingly well. Forgive the 'Larry the Cable Guy Goes to Camelot' look. It was not my intent and I forgot I had the Realtree hat on.
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Post by kidcasanova on Mar 21, 2009 2:17:41 GMT
lol, A man with a death wish. Nice work Odingaard, a very nice find. It is looking great. Not while he's near it, silly. Odin, great pictures, and some damn fine work.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2009 13:46:27 GMT
Ugh, I'm really, really jealous! Nice job, man!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2009 10:38:58 GMT
My gauntlets came today. I copped out and ordered a set of GDFB mitten ones from my wholesaler - so I only paid $64.00 for them. They are simple and to the point, without the 'bling' factor. They articulate well, but the thumbs are a little too tight for my big fingers. I'll probably work on the strapping and might integrate the gloves into them. Also, I am going to be going with a great bascinet, rather than a bascinet with an aventail. It will still be period, but I wanted to eliminate the extra $200 that I would have to spend to get a fancy riveted aventail. My wife ordered me one this evening that has an articulating gorget in the front, but nothing in the back so I will still be able to move my head. I've seen pictures of collections and period art with this type of helmet with a Churburg type set, so I am assuming that it will work. Still waiting on the arms and legs from Schmitthenner. The original estimate was 3-5 weeks and we are in week 3 now. Perhaps soon! Still waiting on welded stainless maille skirt material as well. It's been a couple weeks since I made the order, and I have no idea of how long it will take to show up. I'll probably pester the vendor today. I'll post more updates as they arrive!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2009 13:58:41 GMT
Really nice work there Odin. I have enjoyed watching the progress you have made in this thread. Please keep posting. I'm anxiously awaiting the pics of you wearing the complete final project ;D +1 Karma
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2009 1:17:47 GMT
I just got the arming jacket finished. I added re-enforcing grommets to all of the stitched eyelets for more strength, then added eyelet lace points around the mid-section to attach my riveted aluminum skirt I ordered from Ice Falcon. This will keep it from sagging below to breastplate. Right now, I have the cotton brass-tipped cords set to secure the armor, and on the remaining points, I am using some paracord I had in a duffle bag. I'll make some nice brass tips and laces later, but this will serve to mock it up for now. This jacket was a bear. I can see why vendors charge $300+ for these, I probably put about 6 hours of work into it total. The klappvisor and aventail should arrive late this week or early next week. The helmet will prove to be a bit of a project unto itself. Still waiting on the arms and legs to arrive. More updates forthcoming for those interested.
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