If the actual type of helm is not described in the blazon for the crest, I believe it to be the purvue of the artist to render it however he or she likes; tilting helm, captured abyssinian helm, modern kevlar helmet or what have you.
I see no reason to discourage innovation in artistic expression. I do believe that following the historical precedents of blazoning and arrangement are of value to the integrity of heraldry though. I’m not sure if this would preclude actual description of non-european helms but I’m thinking it would preclude describing a kevlar helmet in the crest blazon.
Also, I really love the flaming sword as the allusion to the arch angel (only slightly) more than the arms grasping the iron knot.
Mixed feelings (story of my life…)
On the one hand, innovation keeps the art form alive and vibrant. On the other hand, obviously mis-matched anachronisms strike me as poor design, or at least poorly thought out.
We frequently see advice that a 16th century shield topped by a 13th century helmet and charged with, say, a 19th steam locomotive, isn’t a particularly good choice. Artistic license should still be artistic.
FWIW I would say that a design that one could picture actually being used in a given time and place is better, or at least less jarring (or silly) than a design that one couldn’t picture in any one time & place.
I can’t imagine anyone actually riding into battle or tournament with a flaming torch on his head…though who knows, there may be historical precedent for it!
Michael F. McCartney;84389 wrote:
I can’t imagine anyone actually riding into battle or tournament with a flaming torch on his head…though who knows, there may be historical precedent for it!
Only if they have a dragon to hold it aloft, thereby not singeing their mantling or any hair which has gone astray.
I don’t think any crest is practical to wear on your helm. No matter what it is, it will make the helm top heavy.
Kathy McClurg;84411 wrote:
Only if they have a dragon to hold it aloft, thereby not singeing their mantling or any hair which has gone astray.
If only the dragon was holding a torch in the british sense, I’d know where I left my keys an hour ago.
Andemicael;84514 wrote:
If only the dragon was holding a torch in the british sense, I’d know where I left my keys an hour ago.
If you’d chosen keys for your crest, perhaps you wouldn’t have misplaced them. :p