16th century armet, 1–1.2 mm

Product description

The armet is based on early 16th-century originals. Around this time, high-quality Greenwich armours were developed in Tudor England. The armet features a characteristic pointed tip that curves upward, resembling the bow of a ship. These helmets were often richly decorated. Armets of this kind were highly popular amongst the European aristocracy and were employed in Italy, France, England, the Low Countries, and Spain.

The armet was notable for being the first helmet of its time to fully enclose the head whilst remaining compact and light enough to permit the wearer full freedom of movement. Its use was essentially limited to fully armoured knights and warriors. The helmet required a mechanism to open and close so that it could be worn. A typical armet consisted of four parts: the skull, two large hinged cheek pieces that closed over the chin at the front, and a visor with double pivot points, one on each side of the skull.

The armet features a chin guard that can be fully closed. The corded lower edge can optionally overlap high gorgets. Both sides of the visor are equipped with ventilation holes for added comfort and visibility.