After reading an article in Wargames Illustrated 432 about the fantastic “North Bersted Man,” I thought I’d give it a go. It was about the discovery of the most elaborately equipped Iron Age warrior grave ever to be found in England. The magazine concentrated on the warrior’s helmet, which is unique in Europe.
To make it, I selected a suitable head and clumsily carved the pieces out of leftover sprue, to form the two crests. I then glued them to the top of the helmet.
Finding these two unfinished Celtic Warriors from Warlord Games, I chose the best one, and attached the new head to the body. I also swapped over the shields and added a couple of extra details.
Still having the other mini hanging around, I decided to make another warrior. This time I chose the helmet which was found close to Waterloo Bridge on the Thames in London. The “Waterloo Helmet” was made from two pieces of copper alloy sheets held together by rivets. It has two conical bronze horns and was thought to once hold six red glass enamel studs, as decoration.
To make it, it was a breeze! I took an old spear and carved the end into a point, then literally stuck it to the side of the helmet. After I made another one, it was done!
A quick lick of paint, and this fast project was complete. I really enjoyed this one. It’s not perfect by any means, but I feel I’ve learned a quite bit. And now the minis stand out much more on the table!
The helmet itself is on display in the Novium Museum in Chichester: Mystery Warrior – The North Bersted Man – The Novium Museum
The Waterloo helmet can be viewed in the British Museum: helmet | British Museum
Missed this other Prehistoric project? It’s where I make “Stonehenge” out of Sprue Goo! Rising From The Sprue Goo – Stonehenge – Use The Sprue