13th-14th century kettle hat, 1.6 mm

Product description

Kettle hats like this emerged during the Crusades at the end of the 12th – beginning of the 13th century. This type of helmet was possibly adopted from Byzantine armies, who had been wearing such helmets for some time. They were worn alongside the nasal helmet.

Helmets like these, like spangenhelms, were constructed from multiple steel pieces. This type was used until the early 14th century, and various variants are depicted in the Maciejowski Bible from 1250. Multi-piece kettle hats were well-suited to infantry: they could be produced cheaply and repaired during campaigns. This type of helmet was so effective that even aristocrats wore it. The brim provided protection against downward strikes and projectiles. The helmet offers an excellent field of vision, good hearing, and optimal protection.

In the early 14th century, the kettle hat evolved into more advanced forms crafted from a single piece of steel. The brim became sloped, deflecting projectiles from above. This reduced the impact on both the helmet and the wearer's head.

The kettle hat is based on several medieval originals. The maximum internal circumference is 68 cm, excluding the helmet lining. It comes with a lining and chin strap. Should you wish to wear extra padding, measure your head circumference whilst wearing it. The padding already included inside the helmet is usually sufficient. To create more space inside the helmet, the lining can be removed.