[cma22inc]

They style of helm is commonly called a close helm. Its a double meening as it fits very close to the head and opens and closes at the chin by swinging open. The helm is designed to cause blows to glance off due to the rounded edges and slopes.
It will transfer blows more so than a larger helm but, it offers better vison and mobility and weight savings.

There are garments worn underneth that offer a good deal of padding. An arming cap would be worn into combat that would offer the best padding and would be leather and wool. Not something you can wear in the hotter states as the wool would bake your brain in the heat. Most knights would only put on the helmet right before combat.

To be period correct you would not wear a full chainmail hood under the helm all the time as its really not needed but , I added it to the suit because everyone always asked about it.

They wore chain only in the areas that the plate could not cover.

I lost count of the hours I spent making the chain it really is time comsuming and to make it bearable you have to make it in stages.

You start with a roll of wire and many steps later you have your item.

My armor making days are over. I'd rather just design an item and commision someone to make it.

At the time this suit was completed it was about the same price as say a good artillery model about 2500.

Jerry I hope you have an apprentice to pass on your art. I know several of the best armor / weapon smiths that never passed on their craft and the things you are able to do are a lost art. Most kids today have no clue how to make anything of craftmanship.

I'm a putersmith (computer systems engineer) by trade and my kids have no interest in learning my craft. I'm old school and most of the techs now can't do anything that does not have a mouse and pretty buttons to click on.