Vervelle Screw for Attaching Helmet Aventail

Brass Vervelle Screw for Attaching Helmet Aventail

History and Origins of Helmet Vervelles

The historical design of these mounting studs, known as vervelles, dates to the High and Late Middle Ages (14th to 15th centuries). They were extensively utilized on medieval helmets such as the bascinet, sallet, and barbute. During this era, neck and shoulder defense was provided by a chainmail aventail (camail), which needed to be securely yet detachably fastened around the lower rim of the steel helmet skull.

Historically, vervelles were either riveted into the helmet skull or, in more advanced workshops, threaded and screwed in. A leather strap or heavy wire was threaded through the eyelets in the vervelle heads, holding the fabric- or leather-lined aventail firmly in place. Utilizing brass vervelles offered not only vital functional utility, but also served as a decorative accent contrasting beautifully against polished steel, signaling the owner's status.

Installation and Mounting Instructions

Installing these brass vervelle screws onto a helmet skull is straightforward to execute in your workshop:

• Prepare the Holes: Drill holes along the lower edge of the helmet skull matching the thread diameter (approx. 4.3 mm / 0.17 in) and tap internal threads or secure with small nuts on the interior side.
• Screwing in: Screw the vervelle firmly into the prepared hole until the shoulder of the head sits flush against the helmet plate.
• Attaching the Aventail: Thread a leather strap (or heavy gauge wire) through the holes of the installed vervelle heads, securing the top leather band of the chainmail aventail to it.

Technical Specifications

Care and Safety Instructions

Brass is a durable metal with inherent corrosion resistance. To ensure long service life and optimal performance, observe these guidelines:

• Apply moderate torque when tightening the screw to avoid stripping the fine brass threads.
• Wipe brass components with a soft dry or lightly oiled cotton cloth during helmet maintenance.
• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could cause unsightly tarnishing or oxidation on the brass surface.
• Periodically check tightness of all vervelle screws to ensure the aventail remains secure during movement or reenactment combat.
• Keep out of reach of small children to prevent choking hazards.

Recommended Accessories

We recommend pairing these mounting screws with a chainmail aventail made from riveted or flat rings, a 14th-century medieval Bascinet helmet, and a leather mounting strap designed to thread through the eyelets of the vervelles. These components are historically compatible and complete a functional head and neck defense system.