Helmet Plumes?

[CSinTX]

Do we already have a thread on this? What is known?

I'd like to add some to this helmet but don't know what would be correct. Any examples of period artwork?

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25582&highlight=Helmet

[fernando]

I have been through this issue a while back; it seems that there is a consensus in that ostrich feathers were mostly used. Some say the reason was that they are more aerodynamic (windwise). Ôthers say, in a romantic perspective, that were the ladies that offered the plumes to officers.
One easy way to acquire ostrich feathers (over here) is in shops that sell disguises for carnival and the like; you can chose colours and lengths ... and even trim them to match the dimensions of your helmet.


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[fernando]

... Minding that the colours were by then relative to the knigth's house.

[Victrix]

These illustrations may be of help. The first is from ”Kriegskunst zu Pferd” (1634) by Johann Wallhausen. The second is from Osprey Men-at-Arms series ”Imperial Armies of the Thirty Years’ War” (2010).

I think the Imperial side in the 30 year war generally initially wore white field signs, whilst Wallenstein ordered red field signs in 1632. Sweden I think usually wore yellow field signs towards the end of that war. Not sure the field sign colour was used in helmet plumes also or only for neck scarves and sashes. A red ostrich plume would look quite dramatic.

[Victrix]

CSinTX,

Some pics from Eduard Wagner’s ”European Weapons & Warfare 1618-1648” (1979).

You have a very nice helmet by the way!