Another question about the crusades: Northern Crusades knight

[Giorgio]

Hello!
This is my first participation in this forum and I already have a question (or two):
Could I paint the figure below as a Danish knight (a "civil" crusader or a non Teutonic Order's member) participant in the Northern Crusades?
If it is possible, could you help me with the colours, blazons and emblems for his tunic?
I appreciate any help.
All the best,
Giorgio

 

[renarts]

Osprey has a Men at Arms series title that may help. Look for "The Scandanavian Baltic Crusades. 1100-1500"
It may get you started in a direction. Otherwise you could peruse some of the heraldry of knights from Denmark and Germany from the period.
http://britishbattles.homestead.com/baltic.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Denmark
And your best source for Danish Heraldry is the Gelre Armorial
http://www.heraldique-europeenne.org/Armoriaux/Gelre/Index_General.htm

 

[Giorgio]

Dear Renarts,
Thank you for the message.
With the Gelre Armorial, my concern now is the armour, helmet, shield and figure's sword. Or if these things are reliable to the Baltic scenario.
My references (I have the Osprey book that you recommend) aren't clear about this issue. But, possibly, I will paint this figures in the "credible/plausible" Danish colours.
All the best,
Giorgio

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Isnt that uniform/equipment a little old for the period?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[fmenardi]

The Northern Crusades were undertaken between the centuries XII (1198) and XIII (1290), so the uniform/equipment could be old or not.

 

[renarts]

He's sporting armor typical of the 13thc. So he's fine. If you reference the Macejowski Bible (a mid 13thc. illuminated version of the Old Testament) you'll see armor typical of this. Though its primarily french and english, the armor style is not all that different. If you felt that the chapel de fer the figure is sporting may be too early, especially with that spangen style construction, just smooth the dome of the helmet, add a nasal (or not) and you'll have a little later version. But as he stands, he's fine.

 

[Giorgio]

Hello all!
Thank you for the help, especially you, Renarts, or the very usefull infos.
All the best,
Giorgio

 

[renarts]

I have a copy of the book and it is an invaluable source reference for the 13thc. As you progress through the book, you can see the development of armor as folios were added throughout its production. Great reference for armor, surcoats, equipment horses and horse livery and equipment, carts, tents etc.

 

[Giorgio]

Yes, indeed.

This book was publicated between 1240 and 1250, so it is a source reference for development of "armor, surcoats, equipment, horses and horse livery and equipment, carts, tents etc." before that time.

 

[Gennady Danshin]

Some Danish coats-of-arms of 13 th Century: