Pikeman’s Helmet 1607

Description of the Product

In late 16th and early 17th century Europe the Spanish empire was at the height of its importance. The Netherlands, or the “those lands over there” felt neglegted in the vast empire, and soon both taxes and the wars of religion resulted in what was known as the Eighty Years´ War or the War of Dutch independence. In order to help this revolt against the Hapsburgs, Jacob de Gheyn of Antwerp illustrated a book that became a great success and was translated widely, further cementing the military reputation of the Netherlands. It was viewd in such high regard that its publishing was delayed to prevent it falling into enemy hands. "Wapenhandelinghe Van Roers. Mvsqvetten. Ende Spiessen" or “Exercise of Armes” is a manual of uses and exercises with caliver, musket and pike. The classical drill discipline which the manual promotes greatly influenced European military training during both the Thirty Years War as well as the English Civil War.
(You can view the original manual free online by clicking this -link-)

Pikemen were used to defend the musketeers and the rest of the infantry, but were occasionally also used offensively. Pikes had been used since antiquity, and by the 17th C. the continous arms race meant that the pikes had grown even up to 7,5 m. Due to the cumbersome nature of the pike, pikemen also had to use a secondary weapon if the battle turned into a melee.

Based on the engravings by de Gheyn we´ve reproduced this beautiful cabasset from the 17th century. In the engravings the helmet can be seen combined with a breastplate, which can be found by clicking this -link-. The pikeman’s cabassets or morions varied slightly in design, but all curved up almost to a point with rounded sides. Cheek plates were used to protect the neck and face of the wearer and became a common piece of the age.

Made with 1,6mm steel. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used in manufacturing. This item has a satin finish so its surface will be slightly reflective as in many original armour pieces. Leather chin strap included. Made by Marshall Historical.

Available in sizes M and L
Circumference in size M approx 60-61 cm and in L approx. 63-64 cm. Weight 2.1kg.