medieval

Medieval Bascinet Helmet with Wire Mask Costume
$44.95
This version of the Bassinet, or "pig-faced" helmet features a bubble-shaped heavy wire face mask that is hinged for easy lifting when not in danger. The pointed top served to deflect blows from the head in combat.The helmet is hand-crafted and forged from 18 gauge steel. It is full-sized and wearable for costume purposes or will look great on display as a part of your medieval collection.

Medieval Chess Set
$129.95
For the price, this is a great chess set. Excellent detail on the pieces and case. The finish or paint on the board has a few spots that are faded a bit. I am unsure if the fading will continue over extended use and time. My 8 year old son loves the set.

Medieval Full-Size METAL CHAIN MAIL Armor SHIRT & HOOD Suit European Chainmaille Costume
$126.95
For $85 this is a great product. It is much better than the aluminum chain mail shirt I bought years ago, but it is still not perfect. The links are only butted together, meaning they are not riveted or welded together. For this price that is to be expected, but be warned, even though it is steel, the links can bend and break. The second time I put this on one of the links bent and came out. I was unable to locate where on the suit it came from, so I guess the suit will live, but if you are constantly putting on and removing this item, it may become worse.

My only prior experience with chain mail was the aluminum shirt I already mentioned, and that one lost several links every time I put it on. I expect this one will last longer, but I think next time I will shell out the extra money for a riveted chain shirt.

Both the chain shirt and the hood fit fairly well, though because of the nature of chain mail, it was a bit snug against my torso, and I am a relatively fit individual. One problem with sizing is that while it seemed to fit my torso (if a bit snug), the sleeves were a bit short. I had about six more inches of arm sticking out than is shown in the picture. Maybe I need a bigger size, or maybe my arms are just freakishly long. I don't know. (For sizing purposes, I am 6'1" and 206 pounds, relatively fit)

As is stated in the product description, this is a decorative piece, and while I will be using it for costume purposes, I would not recommend any strenuous activities while wearing it, as the links will likely pop under harsh pressures.

I believe this is a good price for this product, and if used within reason, I think it will last relatively well. By the way, don't ever, ever buy aluminum chain mail unless you only plan on using it a few times. I give this product 4 stars taking into account it's durability, fit, appearance, and price.

The New Penguin Atlas of Medieval History: Revised Edition (Hist Atlas)
$15.00
#I think that the other reviewers have covered this one pretty thoroughly, so I am here mostly just to agree with them-though it is pretty dated, the Atlas of Medieval History is an indispensible source covering trade routes, political maps, and history itself from 363 to 1478. I too appreciate how it focuses primarily on Europe, though not to the point of ignoring or unfairly portraying the rest of the world. For a beginner to medieval history, this book can really put things in perspective for you, covering all the duchies, states, and emirates spanning Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa in this period. A handy reference for a student or amateur historian.