Medieval Secret Helmet, Battle-Ready, 2 mm Steel

Medieval Secret Helmet, 2 mm Steel

– Battle-Ready –

The secret helmet, also known as a cervelliere or cervelière, emerged in the high Middle Ages (late 12th c. / early 13th c.) and saw further service all through the late Middle Ages until well into the Renaissance. Essentially a plain, tight-fitting skull cap made of iron or steel, this medieval helmet could be worn alone, but was usually used in combination with a chain mail coif or aventail. By the end of the 13th century, wearing a cervelliere underneath a great helm on the battlefield or during tournaments had become common practice. In close combat, the great helm would often be removed, as it impeded sight and breathing, and the skull cap would then still provide some level of protection to the head, while allowing for best possible vision.
Although the cervelliere eventually evolved into the so-called bascinet over time, it never really disappeared and remained in use throughout the medieval period. In the early modern period, the last variant known as a secrete was mostly worn by noblemen and men-at-arms, concealed beneath a fashionable feather beret or broad-brimmed leather or felt hat, thus combining style and protection. However, due to the large number of preserved secret helmets from this era, experts tend to believe that they still were occasionally issued to ordinary foot soldiers.

This reconstruction of a high medieval, visorless cervelliere, as worn in the 13th century, is crafted from approx. 2 mm thick steel. The interior of this battle-ready helmet is blackened for better corrosion resistance, and fitted with a riveted suspension liner made of leather. The sturdy, adjustable leather chin strap closes with an antiqued brass buckle.

Suitable for combat re-enactment, LARP, stage or TV/film, this wearable helmet is most fitting for settings of the high and late Middle Ages and ideal to complete the armour of a European warrior. Of course, it will also make a great addition to any helmet collector’s treasure chamber.

Details:
- Suited for combat re-enactment
- Material: 2 mm steel, leather inlay, leather chin strap with antiqued brass buckle
- Suitable for head circumference up to approx. 61 cm
- Long distance (back to front): approx. 21 cm
- Short distance (ear to ear): approx. 18 cm
- Height: approx. 16 cm
- Weight: approx. 1.6 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain helmets (and armour in general) on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.