"Furdess Helm

David · 5th July 2013, 08:44 PM

Well, i'm unclear what this thread is about since as far as i can tell Edwulf never included an image in his query.
Here is an interesting page on Viking helmets though which i believe shows the one accepted authentic Viking helmet found to date.
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/arti...ng_helmets.htm
I believe it is true that Viking helmets did NOT have horns, but these small figures from the 6th-9th century Sweden and Denmark perhaps show where some might have gotten the idea that they did. I think these are more ceremonial (religious) than martial in their intent.

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.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 6th July 2013, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

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.

Salaams Jim ~ I thought I would allow the thread originator to post the picture of the Furdess Helmet if possible?... The only reference book I have is a great little book from 1960 called The Vikings by Johannes Brondsted ... published by Pelican for 5 shillings !

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Jim McDougall · 6th July 2013, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Jim ~ I thought I would allow the thread originator to post the picture of the Furdess Helmet if possible?... The only reference book I have is a great little book from 1960 called The Vikings by Johannes Brondsted ... published by Pelican for 5 shillings !

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Ibrahiim, thats the same book Ive got!!! Most of my Viking books didnt make the cut this trip in the bookmobile

It would be nice if Edwulf could post a picture of whatever helmet he has....my psychic powers aint what they used to be. In the meantime hope his traffic has picked up

5th July 2013, 08:44 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	Well, i'm unclear what this thread is about since as far as i can tell Edwulf never included an image in his query. Here is an interesting page on Viking helmets though which i believe shows the one accepted authentic Viking helmet found to date. http://www.hurstwic.org/history/arti...ng_helmets.htm I believe it is true that Viking helmets did NOT have horns, but these small figures from the 6th-9th century Sweden and Denmark perhaps show where some might have gotten the idea that they did. I think these are more ceremonial (religious) than martial in their intent. Attached Images

6th July 2013, 04:44 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	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.