14th Century Sugarloaf Helmet with Visor

Description of the Product

Great crusader helms of the crusading era were essentially just flat topped cylinders, which although protected the head well, were not ideal when it came to vision and ventilation. Firstly the greathelm evolved eventual to a conical shape that helped missiles and blows to glance off the surface, and this conical variation of the great helm became known as the sugarloaf. Vision and ventilation were not yet improved with this development. Securing the front piece on hinges, however, meant that when not necessary the visor could be raised in order to see and breathe easier. As with the rest of armour, helmets too were in fast transition during the 14th century, and this type of helmet was replaced at the end of 14th century. No original pieces survive, but examples are found in period art and this type of helmets were used approx. 1300-1390.

This helmet has a brass reinforcement in the shape of the cross on the visor. Even though the age of the crusades was by the 14th century already history, emphasising christianity was a substantial part of the chivalric virtues. Chivalry during the 1300’s included the admiration and imitation of the brave crusaders, heroes and defenders of the faith of the previous centuries. Christian symbols, such as the cross, were important and useful external markers of the chivalric virtues. The helmet imitates the style of the crusader helm of the previous centuries, almost like a fan would, but obviously it also worked as a reinforcer and symbol of the carriers faith.

Made of 2 mm steel with 1,6 mm visor. The reinforcing cross is of 1,2 mm brass. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used on its manufacturing. Made by Marshal Historical.

Lightly padded. Leather chin strap included. Standard size c. 63-64 cm
circumference. Weight approx. 3.8 kg.