So, you’ve visited every pizza shop and convenience store in Preston, convinced that you’re seen everything to be seen in town. But, if you haven’t visited Spiderlilly Custom Metal Works at 53 Preston Ave., you “ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.” There you can learn the finer points of gambeson, shell armor, plated or mail armor and other Medieval terms you may not have heard of.
Spiderlilly is housed in the building occupied for years by Jim’s Welding, and like Jim’s they do a good business in custom welding and fabrication of all types of metal products. They repair everything from irrigation systems and farm equipment and even mass-produce custom parts. But, they’re a little different from Jim’s. Inside their building it’s not uncommon to hear discussions on Medieval Reenactments, including kingdoms, fiefdoms, tournament jousting and mock battles.
Surprisingly, Spiderlilly specializes in producing Medieval armor- that’s right, the attire of knights and gentlemen in Europe’s Middle Ages. Tony and Mallory, Spiderlilly’s owners, produce authentic-looking and functioning armor, used by many Medieval Reenactors throughout the world. Most visitors want to learn about the pieces of armor on display in their showroom. They welcome questions and know a lot about their craft, but don’t expect quick answers to your queries from the staff. This is an involved business.
The Middle Ages lasted from about 5 A.D. to the late 1500s A.D.- nearly a thousand years of history. With each country or tribe producing its own versions of armor, there are countless varieties. One of the first clarifications is “if you are asking about authentic armor, a functional reproduction or a costume?” ; “What nationality or kingdom interests you most? “; “Plated armor, mail, or even heavy cloth armor?” ; “Are you most interested in functionality or decoration?” The questions can go on and on.
Spiderlilly produces historically correct armor (a full suit is known as a “harness”) whenever possible, using a variety of methods, depending upon customer needs. Though they understand traditional production methods, most of their creations are built using modern materials and machinery- unless, of course you are willing to pay for the countless hours required to form sheet metal into a bowl-like shape for a helmet or curve and hinge it for gauntlets and body joints.
Not everyone could afford armor in the Middle Ages. The average cost of a harness of armor ran between 2- 11 English pounds. At that time, 4 pounds just about equaled the cost of a median home, or about 5 times the yearly disposable income of modern day lower or middle-class US citizen. Estimates of converting those numbers to present values vary widely. Examples of ball-park appraisals on web site Quora.com in early 2021 include: 1) “$2,000- $20,000”; 2) “$100,000- $250,000”; 3) “$500,000- $3,000,000 finished, undecorated, but polished”; 4) “about the same cost as a new Porsche;” 5) “Mail hauberk in the 9th century was roughly 12 cows or 6 oxen, full ensemble 12 oxen.” Go figure- anyway you look at it, armor was a substantial investment. Most harnesses were passed on through heirs in succeeding generations.
Besides armor, Spiderlilly produces an interesting assortment of Medieval-time specific products. Their beautiful animal horns have been fashioned into an interesting number of variations when beautifully etched, scrimshawed, dyed and or carved. Carrying pouches and clothing are available in many different leathers. It seems like the only limitations on the products are based on the imaginations of their workers. Many are works of art in their own right.
So, step back in time to the Middle Ages with a quick trip to Spiderlilly Custom Metal Works in Preston. You might even learn something. You’ll be glad you did.
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