"Furdess Helm

Jim McDougall · 6th July 2013, 04:44 AM

Thanks very much Ibrahiim and David for joining in with entries on this query, which would appear to be a lark as it is not only vague but without illustration. Just the same it seemed to have potential as an interesting topic as these helmets do not get much discussion here.

It is true that there is but a single 'intact' extant Viking helmet, the Gjermundbu find (1943) from central Norway, and dating from around 970AD. There are two others of similar form, one from Denmark and the other from Sweden, but both in dismally relic condition and not intact.

I thought perhaps the 'Furdess' term may have indicated another find in which case the location of the find becomes the term applied to the item referred to. In this case the only use of the term I have found is in a number of advirtisements for reproduction helmets of this type, so this ploy of course seems to pertain to these rather than a valid form.

Interestingly, it appears that few Viking helmets in use were actually of metal as these, and that few of these warriors could afford them, most headgear was probably of leather. As noted, the horns were likely only on ceremonial or other purposed helmets, not for combat and rare. As often the case, another device of 19th century romanticism.

Interesting ad though.

6th July 2013, 04:44 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,332	Thanks very much Ibrahiim and David for joining in with entries on this query, which would appear to be a lark as it is not only vague but without illustration. Just the same it seemed to have potential as an interesting topic as these helmets do not get much discussion here. It is true that there is but a single 'intact' extant Viking helmet, the Gjermundbu find (1943) from central Norway, and dating from around 970AD. There are two others of similar form, one from Denmark and the other from Sweden, but both in dismally relic condition and not intact. I thought perhaps the 'Furdess' term may have indicated another find in which case the location of the find becomes the term applied to the item referred to. In this case the only use of the term I have found is in a number of advirtisements for reproduction helmets of this type, so this ploy of course seems to pertain to these rather than a valid form. Interestingly, it appears that few Viking helmets in use were actually of metal as these, and that few of these warriors could afford them, most headgear was probably of leather. As noted, the horns were likely only on ceremonial or other purposed helmets, not for combat and rare. As often the case, another device of 19th century romanticism. Interesting ad though.