it may of interest of you.. there's some discussion about a very small scale french helmet at papermodelers... '..since1758, the french light infantry had used this kind of helmet...'
I'm in Ohio as well, there are quite a few of us and I'm hoping to meet up with the ones close by. I'm just north of Cincinnati!
I have always had a fascination for medieval armor, but have yet to do anything with this interest. I would really like to design a suit of armor (sigh) someday! (too much on my plate already).