Crusader Pot Helm, 13th C., 1.6 mm Steel

Crusader Pot Helm with Brass Fittings, 13th C., 1.6 mm Steel

This beautiful high medieval pot helmet is a reproduction of a so-called enclosed helmet as worn by crusaders / Templars in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Considered as the forerunner of the Great Helm or Great Heaume), it is also referred to as a primitive or early great helm.

Compared to its predecessor, which at first only consisted of a cylindrical, flat-topped cap and a mask-like face plate (and thus left the sides, the back of the head and the neck area fully unprotected), this intermediate type shielded the entire head, providing a somewhat better coverage. However, the elongated face protection still extended much deeper than the side walls and the neck plate. During the course of the 13th century, this transitional model eventually evolved into the "true" cylindrical Great Helm as we know it from numerous illustrations and finds from the Middle Ages. Also known as a bucket helmet or barrel helmet, the Great Heaume fully encompassed the head equally from all sides and enjoyed great popularity throughout Central Europe.

This reconstruction of a Templar pot helmet, as worn by knights during the crusades, was inspired by various historical sources such as a miniature from the illuminated Westminster Psalter (ca. 1200-1250, British Library, Royal MS 2 A XXII, f. 220). It is crafted from 1.6 mm (16 gauge) steel and adorned with a brass cross and crown. The component parts of the knight's helmet are all connected by steel rivets. The eye-slits are approx. 8 cm long, 0.7 to 1.8 cm wide and the ten large vertical cutouts on the helmet's lower half ensure proper ventilation.

The interior is blackened and fitted with an adjustable leather suspension liner attached with rivets. The 2 mm thick brown leather chin strap closes with an antiqued brass buckle.

Details:
- Material: 1.6 mm steel, brass fittings, leather inlay, leather chin strap
- Suitable for head circumference up to approx. 69 cm
- Long distance (back to front): approx. 25 cm
- Short distance (ear to ear): approx. 19 cm
- Height: approx. 30 cm (front) / 15 cm (back)
- Weight: approx. 3.1 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.