Celata Helmet, Open-Face Late Medieval Steel Armor, 1.5mm

Celata Helmet, Open-Face Late Medieval Steel Armor, 1.5mm

A Design Inspired by Antiquity

The Celata helmet is characterized by its smooth, rounded bowl, meticulously welded from two halves. Its surface is polished to a high shine. The key element is the wide open-face design, providing you with an unrestricted field of vision and good ventilation. Extended cheekpieces and a slightly flared rear brim protect the sides of the head and the nape of the neck. All edges of the helmet are carefully rolled (beaded), reaching a thickness of approximately 3mm, thereby increasing overall robustness and safety.

Comfort and Secure Fit

For your maximum comfort, the interior of the helmet is equipped with an adjustable leather liner, allowing for a custom fit to various head sizes. The inner surface of the bowl is painted black for easier maintenance and corrosion protection. A secure fit on the head is ensured by a sturdy, riveted leather chin strap with a period-appropriate brass buckle.

History and Use of the Celata

The Celata helmet, much like its close relative the Barbute, originated in 15th-century Italy during the Renaissance, a period fascinated with classical art and warfare. Its open design made it ideal for troops who needed good battlefield awareness and the ability to react quickly to commands – typically archers, crossbowmen, spearmen, and other infantry. This helmet type deliberately sacrificed some facial protection in favour of better vision, hearing, and ventilation.

An Interesting Fact: The Advantages of Open-Face Design

While fully enclosed helmets offered maximum protection, they significantly restricted peripheral vision, hearing, and breathing, which could be a disadvantage in dynamic combat. The Celata offered a compromise: solid protection for the skull, nape, and cheeks, but with an open face. This allowed soldiers to communicate more effectively, identify friend from foe, and maintain situational awareness, which was crucial, for example, for archers who needed to aim freely.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Steel Plate (approx. 1.5 mm / 16 gauge thick; 2.0 mm / 14 gauge option also available)
• Finish: Polished, blackened interior
• Brand: Lord of Battles®
• Approx. External Dimensions: Length (front to back) 20.3 cm (8 in), Width (side to side) 17.8 cm (7 in)
• Inner Circumference: approx. 66 cm (26 in) (adjustable due to liner)
• Overall Height: approx. 28 cm (11 in)
• Thickness of Rolled Edges: approx. 3 mm (0.12 in)
• Weight (1.5 mm version): approx. 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs)
• Interior: Adjustable leather liner, chin strap with brass buckle

Who Is This Helmet For?

This Celata helmet is an excellent choice for any HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) enthusiast, LARP participant, member of a reenactment group focusing on the late Middle Ages or Renaissance, or for visitors to medieval festivals. Thanks to its authentic appearance and quality craftsmanship, it can also be an impressive exhibit in your collection or an original decoration.

Caring for Your Plate Helmet

Protect the steel parts of the helmet from moisture. After each use, dry it thoroughly and lightly oil the exterior (e.g., with WD-40 or another conservation oil) to prevent rust. The blackened interior coating simplifies maintenance. Treat the leather liner and strap with leather care products. Store in a dry place.