Phoenix Company Medieval Re-enactment Inc.

Arrow Penetration Experiment.

[Range Rules]

Objective: Could arrows at close range penetrate a bascinet helm

Target: Old unused bascinet helm (2mm mild steel) filled with dirt to ensure all energy of the arrow is taken by the helm.

Note: This helm is about ½ the thickness of frontal armour of the helms used in battles like Argincourt and about equal to the rear armour thickness)

Bow: 65# @ 28" long bow (about 1/2 the power of a true long bow used at Argincourt)

Projective: 28" arrow with modern std. 125g field point

     [Click for Image of arrow used]

Range: 4 (big) Paces

Result: Three arrows were loose at the target helm.

Two arrows deflected off leaving no more than a scratch, no damage to the helm at all.

These deflected arrows continue traveling with great speed, little or no energy seems to be lost on the target.

One arrow hit square penetrating the helm and stopping 6 inches in.

click for image [Helm Hole] [Inside Helm 1] [Inside Helm 2]

All arrows had no impact damage and are still usable.

Conclusion:  Yes arrows can penetrate a metal bascinet at close range.

Future experiments planned:

Std field point vrs spring steel mail at 10 to 60 paces

Any Questions? please E-Mail

   Andrew in Palmerston North New Zealand

living history cursades Longbow knights dagger plate chain mail knight Battle mass midieval medievil medieval Combat Dance music steel re-enactment mace sword New Zealand NZ Palmerston North Spear steel fight fighting armour helm shield iving history cursades Longbow knights dagger plate chain mail knight Battle mass midieval medievil medieval Combat Dance music steel re-enactment mace sword New Zealand NZ Palmerston North Spear steel fight fighting armour helm shield iving history cursades Longbow knights dagger plate chain mail knight Battle mass midieval medievil medieval Combat Dance music steel re-enactment mace sword New Zealand NZ Palmerston North Spear steel fight fighting armour helm shield living history cursades re-enactment mace sword New Zealand re-enactment mace sword New Zealand re-enactment mace sword