King's Great Helm, Medieval Pot Helm, 1.6 mm Steel

                                                                  With Brass Crown

The so-called Great Helm (also called great helmet, great heaume, pot helmet, bucket helmet or barrel helmet) was often worn over a smaller, lighter helmet (e.g. a cervelliere / secret helmet) and was widespread throughout Central Europe in the Middle Ages. Numerous historical illustrations, miniatures and finds from Germany, Flanders, England, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, etc. bear testimony to the popularity of this particular type of helmet at the time. Such helmets emerged during the Crusades in the late 12th / early 13th c. and were commonly worn by knights until well into the 14th c.

The great helms worn by kings on the battlefield were commonly fitted with a crown in order to distinguish them from others and highlight their status. They could thus be easily recognised by their own troops in the fray and be given special protection. It may also have provided them with the option of being taken hostage and held to ransom rather than being killed outright by the opposing forces.

This Great Helm is crafted from 1.6 mm (16 gauge) steel and adorned with a riveted-on brass crown. The component parts are all connected by steel rivets. Each eye-slit is approx. 13 cm long, 0.5 to 1 cm wide and the numerous round cutouts on the helm’s right side ensure proper ventilation.

The blackened interior is fitted with a leather suspension liner. The 3 mm thick brown leather chin strap is adjustable and fastens with an antiqued brass buckle.

Suitable for light combat re-enactment, LARP, stage or TV/film, and is fully wearable. It will also make a great decorative addition to any helmet collector.

Details:

Material: 1.6 mm steel, brass crown, leather inlay, leather chin strap with brass buckle

Suitable for head circumference up to approx. 83 cm

Long distance (back to front): approx. 29 cm

Short distance (ear to ear): approx. 24 cm

Height: approx. 35 cm

Weight: approx. 3.4 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.