Name: Eryk Jadaszewski
Armorer
How long does it take to make a suit of armor? Do you have multiple suits or just one tailored specifically for you?
Approximately a month to construct a suit of Polish Hussar armor. And I have basically one tailored to me that is typical from the 1620 – 1650s. I have started on a second suit which is in the style of the 1680s.
What drew you to being an armor smith? Do you have knighthood in your blood?
As a boy, I was fascinated by the Polish Winged Hussars. They were the greatest heroes in our long and proud history. They were some of the most highly trained mounted knights in Europe and for approximately 150 years almost no army in Europe could defeat them.
They wore elaborate armor and cloaked themselves in leopard, wolf or tiger skin cloaks. They also wore winged devices on their backs. This was an early and very successful attempt at psychological warfare. Those elements often panicked their opponents and their horses, giving hussars an advantage in battle.
Despite being usually always outnumbered by their opponents, the hussars won the overwhelming majority of their battles. I lead a group of historical reenactors who portray the Calvary, infantry and artillery of the 17th century Polish-Lithuanian Kingdom in which we keep our traditions alive.
I had a little background in metal work and started making this style of armor about 10 years ago. I have lead several historical tours to Poland so I get a chance to see and study the original suits in Polish Museums. I also have friends their who are historians that can advise me and provide me with little known details.
As for my ancestry, I need to do more research; my family’s last names have heraldic coats of arms.
Is your armor functional or decorative?
Yes, both. This type of armor was worn by the Polish heavy cavalry (hussars) for protection against enemy musket balls, lances, sabers and war hammers. The wealthier nobles could afford armor and they has their blacksmiths and armorers decorate them with brass trim and religious symbols.
How heavy is the armor?
Around 30 lbs. It is not as heavy as medieval iron armor; this is late Renaissance/early Baroque style armor from the 17th century. This armor was typically lighter and stronger and had to be musket ball proof.
Do you have to hunt for certain materials when making the armor?
No, I have local suppliers for steel, sheets of brass for the decorative trim are mailed to me and special period correct rivets come from San Francisco. I will mention that most replicas suits are made today of stainless steel but it wasn’t around in the 17th century. I won’t use it; I use cold rolled sheet steel that is hammer-hardened on my anvil. It is much more similar to what they had then.
What about the armor-making business is easier with modern technology, as opposed to how it used to be done? Or do you do it in an older, more traditional style?
I definitely favor the traditional techniques. Today many replica suits of armor are made with modern equipment similar to autobody repair tools. I use an old anvil, heat and a variety of hammers.
I try my best to make each piece in the traditional way using traditional blacksmithing techniques. I even have to make many of my own custom tools to get the right look.
What’s a hidden talent of yours? (besides armoring)?
I can say the hardest tongue twister in Polish: “W Szczebrzeszynie chrzaszcz brzmi w trzcinie.” You try, here’s the pronunciation: “V shcheb-zhesh-inie chzhanshch bzhmee v tzhchee-nie.”
How about a guilty pleasure?
Eating too many pierogis.
If you weren’t a scholar and armor smith, what would you be doing?
I am also a horticulturalist, but I would rather be a tour guide showing folks fascinating places like Mongolia, remote corners of Central and Eastern Europe and the Holy Land.
Is chivalry really dead?
No, I still hold the door open for my girlfriend, I pray for her and her family. I never curse in front of her and I would even slay a dragon for her if I had to.
