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Viking Gnezdovo Helmet with Mail Aventail, 9th-10th Century
Step into the world of early medieval Eastern warriors with this faithful replica of a helmet, the original of which was found in Gnezdovo – a key trading hub on the legendary route from the Varangians to the Greeks. This is not just a piece of steel, but a symbol of an era where the cultures of the Norse Vikings, Slavs, and Byzantine traders met and mingled. This helmet is the ideal choice for portraying a Varangian guardsman, a Rus' boyar, or a Slavic nobleman, and it will become the centerpiece of your historical armour. Further product information ...
Viking Gnezdovo Helmet with Mail Aventail, 9th-10th Century
Detailed Description of the Helmet
This replica boasts the distinctive features that make it unique.
- Helmet Bowl: Crafted from robust 16-gauge (approx. 1.6 mm) steel, it has the typical tall, conical shape that effectively deflected cuts and blows. Its surface is intentionally given a patinated, historical finish.
- Decoration: The most striking element is the polished brass ornamentation. It includes a massive nasal guard with breathing holes, a prominent brow band, and vertical strips that reinforce the bowl's structure. The edge of the brass band is decorated with a scalloped pattern, lending the helmet an air of luxury and the high status of its wearer.
- Mail Aventail: The helmet is fitted with a full mail aventail that protects the neck, shoulders, and lower face. It is made from riveted steel rings with a 10 mm diameter, providing excellent protection and flexibility.
- Interior: Inside, there is a comfortable and fully adjustable leather liner, ensuring the helmet fits securely and comfortably on your head. A genuine leather chin strap with a brass buckle guarantees it stays in place.
Size Chart
Please measure your head circumference carefully to ensure a perfect fit. Thanks to the internal liner, the size is adjustable to a certain extent.
| Measurement | Size L/XL |
|---|---|
| Wearer's Head Circumference | 22.5 - 24 in (58 - 61 cm) |
| Overall Height (A) | 24.8 in (63 cm) |
| Helmet Height (C) | 14.7 in (37.5 cm) |
| Front to Back (at eye level, D) | 9 in (22.8 cm) |
| Front to Back (at ear level, E) | 8 in (20.5 cm) |
| Nasal Bar Width (B) | 2.1 in (5.4 cm) |
| Aventail Material | Riveted Round Rings, 10 mm |
Modern Uses
This helmet is ideal for:
- Reenactment and Living History: Perfect for portraying characters from the Kievan Rus', Varangians, Eastern Vikings, or Slavs during the 9th to 11th centuries.
- LARP: A fantastic and visually impressive accessory for your fantasy character inspired by Eastern or Norse cultures.
- Collecting and Display: An imposing piece that will stand out in any collection of historical armour.
Important Notice
This helmet is primarily a costume and decorative replica. It is not certified as personal protective equipment and has not been designed or tested for demanding, high-impact activities such as full-contact historical combat (buhurt, HMB, Battle of the Nations, etc.). Its use in such disciplines is at your own risk.
A Glimpse into History: The Gnezdovo Helmet
The Gnezdovo archaeological site near Smolensk, Russia, is a treasure trove of 10th-century artifacts. At that time, it was a bustling multicultural center where Scandinavians (Varangians) met Slavs and traded with the Byzantine Empire. Helmets of this type are evidence of a strong, elite warrior culture. Their conical shape with rich decoration in non-ferrous metals was typical for Eastern Europe and distinguished them from the simpler 'spectacle' helmets of western Scandinavia.
Caring for Your New Helmet
To ensure your helmet serves you for a long time and maintains its excellent appearance, follow a few simple rules:
- Corrosion Protection: The helmet is delivered with a protective layer of oil. You can easily wipe this off with a dry cloth.
- Regular Maintenance: After each use, especially in a humid environment, dry the helmet thoroughly and apply a thin layer of preservative oil (e.g., Ballistol or WD-40) to the metal parts.
- Storage: Keep the helmet in a dry environment to prevent rust.
- Leather Parts: Treat the leather liner and chin strap with a leather care product from time to time to prevent them from hardening and cracking.
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