Spangenhelm with Facemask

Description of the Product

By the mid-twelfth century facial protections were reintroduced to helmets. The idea was not a new one, as masks that protected the face had been in use well before the Viking Age, the Sutton Hoo helmet being perhaps the most famous example dating to c.600 CE. Helmets with face plates had been in use during roman times also.

The construction of this transitional helmet is the same as in previous norman and viking spangenhelmets. The Spangenhelm consists of the spangen, or metal strips, which form the framework of the helmet. Onto this frame of a horizontal rim and two vertical strips iron plates are riveted that form the bowl of the helmet. This simple design was used all the way from antiquity through to the Early Middle Ages, since it was an effective protection that was relatively easy to produce. Our helmet even retains the nasal protection familiar from those earlier helmets.

This helmet type was in use from the mid 12th century to the 13th century. As the mask protected the face relatively well in a melee it was popular among infantry, although worn by horsemen too. An example of this type of rounded helm with a pierced facemask can be seen on a stonecarving in the church of St. Justina in Padua, Italy. This helmet-type is an important step towards the eventual great helms of the 13th and 14th centuries, where protective plates were added also to the backside and sides of the helmet.

Our spangenhelm with a facemask is made of 1.6 mm steel, with 1.6 mm thick reinforcements, and the facemask is made of 2 mm thick steel. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used in manufacturing. The helmet has a cotton lining, and a leather chin strap is included. Weight approx. 2.6 kg
Made by Marshall Historical.

Available in two sizes:
Size M for head size 54-58.
Size L for head size 60-62.