w
clay-modeling tools, and the deft use of the fingers. The
fleur-de-lis are slightly raised, as in bas-relief. To aid in
getting the helmet in correct proportion on both sides, and over
the crest on top, cut out the shape from a piece of wood, as shown
in Fig. 3, with a keyhole saw. This wood being passed carefully
and firmly over the clay will bring it into shape, and will also
show where there may be any deficiencies in the modeling, which
can then be easily remedied by adding more clay. The cut-out
pattern shown in Fig. 4 is the side outline of the helmet.

Scraps of thin, brown, wrapping paper are put to soak in a basin
of water to which has been added about a tablespoonful of size
melted and well stirred, or some thin glue, and left over night to
soak. The paper should be torn in irregular shapes about as large
as the palm of the hand. After the clay model is finished, give it
a thin coat of oil-sweet or olive oil will answer the purpose very
well. All being ready, the clay model oiled, and the basin of
soaked paper near to hand, take, up one piece of paper at a time
and very carefully place it upon the model, pressing it well on
the clay and into and around any crevices and patterns, and
continue until the clay is completely covered.

This being done, give the paper a thin and even coating of glue,
which must be quite hot and put on as quickly

[Illustration: Ancient Helmets]

as possible. Put on a second layer of paper as carefully as
before, then another coating of glue, and so on, until there are
from four to six coats of glue and paper. When dry, the paper
coating should be quite stout and strong enough for the helmet to
be used for ornamental purposes. Before taking it off the model,
which should be no difficult matter, owing to the clay being
oiled, trim off any ragged edges of paper with a sharp knife, and
smooth and finish all over with some fine sandpaper. The paper is
then given a thin coat of glue and sections of tinfoil stuck on to
give it a finished appearance. When the helmet is off the model,
make holes with a small awl at equal distances, through which to
insert some fancy brass nails, bending the points over and flat
against the inside of the helmet.

A vizor helmet is shown in Fig. 5. This helmet has a movable vizor
in the front that can be lifted up, a crest on top, and around the
neck a narrow gorget which rests upon the wearer's shoulders. The
whole helmet with the exception of the vi