Medieval Helmets

Great Helms and Tophelms

The great helm and the tophelm are the most famous types of medieval pot helmets and are characteristic of the time of the Templar Order. The uninitiated might think that these helmet types are identical. However, there are some subtle differences. A great helm has a massive, wide top and the back is often open and unprotected. The tophelm features more elegant shapes and the top of this helmet is tapered when compared with the great helm.
Both types of helmets were often decorated with crosses shaped from brass. Thanks to the angular shape, these types of head armor are well suited for full-contact medieval combat because the angles deflect blows quite well. Their main disadvantage is weight – a helmet like this can weigh up to 5 or 6 kilograms. Newbies often choose these helm types because they are relatively cheap compared to others.

Bascinets

Full-contact medieval combat is taking over the world. Among the fighters involved in this of sport, bascinets are the most popular medieval helm type. They are relatively easy to manufacture, practical to use, reliable, and not terribly weighty.
The appearance of this helmet dates back to the XIV century when the knights, together with blacksmiths, developed several types of visors for the bascinet. Let’s take a look at each one of them in detail.

Pigface Visor

Let’s start with the most popular – pigface. You can easily guess from its name what shape this visor takes – the shape of a pig’s snout. Back in the old days, people often observed nature and paid special attention to details, copying what they liked. This co-opting of nature is inherent in virtually everything created by humans and the armor manufacturing process was no exception. Many bascients, pigface included, were equipped with plate aventails which drew their inspiration from the feathers and scales of birds and fish, respectively.

Houndskull Visor

A visor that looks a lot like a dog’s muzzle is called a houndskull (or “hounskull) visor. Due to its shape and the space between one’s face and the metal, there’s ample room for breathing. During horseback fights, this type of visor works great against spears, easily deflecting thrusts and stabs. Full-contact medieval combat fighters also like this type of visor due to the ease with which it turns blows..

Wolfribs Visor

Wolf ribs visor provides excellent visibility to fighters, doesn’t obstruct breathing, and gives a sense of freedom. However, this type of visor is strictly regulated by the HMB federation, so be careful when choosing this type of protection. At the Forge of Svan we’re familiar with these rules and you can rest assured that the wolf ribs visor you purchase on our website complies with HMB regulations.
There are two types of mounting for medieval helmet visors:
1. Klappviser (or klappvisor) mounting is located on the front of the helmet.
2. Splitvisor mounting is located on the sides of the helmet and is a bit heavier than the klappviser, but also more reliable.

Nasal Bascinet

This type of bascinet saw common usage in the XIV century, but began to die out during the first half of the XV. Nasal helmets evolved from open-faced bascinets which left too much of the face exposed. Blacksmiths’ solution at the time was to add a triangular element that extended from the brow of the helmet down to either just below the nose or to the chin where its wide base would protect the lower jaw. Commonly called a “bretèche”, this addition to the bascinet, along with the mail aventail, greatly increased the protective qualities of the helm without sacrificing visibility or breathability.

Sallets

Without a doubt, some of the most beautiful medieval helmets appeared in the Gothic era. This epoch is known for its beautiful cathedrals with their famous sharp spires. These decorative details impacted the armor fashion of the time as well. Just like in architecture, the ribs and lace patterns appeared on armor – for example, the medieval sallet helmet. The peculiarity of this helm type is the open lower jaw and neck. These parts were covered by a bevor – an element of armor that was put on as a separate piece and protected the upper chest, neck, and chin. Thanks to these tandem pieces, knights did not feel discomfort while breathing and had greater cranial mobility.

At the Forge of Svan, we have been manufacturing medieval helmets since 2004. We have extensive experience and have established ourselves around the world as reliable manufacturers. If you want to experience the highest quality service, purchase armor tailor made for you, and rest assured that your safety is top priority, order your helmet of choice from us today and see for yourself.

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