Gnezdovo Helmet – 10th Century Viking, Varangian, Rus, Slav – 1.6mm Steel with Chainmail Camail

Gnezdovo Helmet – 10th Century Viking, Varangian, Rus, Slav – 1.6mm Steel with Chainmail Camail

What the Helmet Looks Like and What Will Fascinate You

This Gnezdovo-type helmet boasts a conical bowl, characteristic of early medieval helmets from Eastern and Northern Europe, topped with a small spike. A dominant feature is the prominent faceplate, which extends into a distinct nasal guard and offers protection around the eyes, lending the helmet a fierce appearance. This faceplate and the lower rim of the helmet bowl are accented with decorative brass bands featuring scalloped edges. The surface of the steel bowl has an authentic patinated finish. Attached to the helmet is a long butted chainmail camail, extending to the chest (approximately 28 cm / 11 inches from the tip of the nasal guard), providing excellent protection for the neck, shoulders, and lower face. Inside, you'll find an adjustable genuine leather liner for a comfortable fit, and a sturdy leather chin strap with a brass buckle for secure fastening.

How You Can Use the Gnezdovo Helmet

This helmet replica is ideal for a wide range of applications:

• Historical Reenactment and LARP: Perfectly complements your attire for characters such as Eastern Vikings, Varangians, Kievan Rus' warriors, or early Slavs from the 10th century.
• Collector's Item: Will become a unique exhibit in your collection of historical armour.
• Decoration: Serves as an impressive decorative piece with a historical touch.
• Educational Tool: Clearly illustrates the design and construction of early medieval head protection.
• Theatre and Film: An authentic accessory for historical productions and film projects.

A Glimpse into History: Gnezdovo Helmets and Their Wearers

Helmets of this type, found in Gnezdovo, represent typical head protection for warriors in 10th-century Eastern Europe. Gnezdovo was a significant trade and craft centre on the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks," where Scandinavian (Varangian) and Slavic influences mingled. Such helmets, often characterized by their conical shape, prominent nasal guard, and chainmail camail, were worn by Viking raiders and traders, Varangian mercenaries (who later formed the core of the famed Varangian Guard of the Byzantine emperors), early Rus' boyars, and Slavic tribal warriors. The chainmail camail offered protection against cuts and thrusts to the neck and shoulders, while the nasal guard protected the centre of the face.

An Interesting Historical Fact

The Gnezdovo archaeological complex is one of the richest and most important Viking Age sites in Eastern Europe. Finds from there, including characteristic helmets, weapons, and jewellery, testify to the intensive cultural exchange and military contacts between Scandinavians and Eastern Slavs, which played a key role in the formation of Kievan Rus'. The Gnezdovo helmet type is thus an important material source for understanding this fascinating epoch.

Key Features and Product Specifications

• Replica of a Gnezdovo helmet, 10th century
• Intended for the reconstruction of an Eastern Viking, Varangian, Rus, or Slav warrior
• Handmade from mild steel, approximately 1.6 mm (16 gauge) thick
• Surface finish: Patina
• Adjustable genuine leather liner
• Long butted chainmail camail (length approx. 28 cm / 11 inches from the tip of the nasal guard, total length of aventail mentioned as 14 inches in some contexts)
• Sturdy leather chin strap with brass buckle
• Total head circumference with a padded cap: up to approx. 68 cm (approx. 26.8 inches)
• Recommended head size (due to adjustable liner): approx. 58-62 cm (approx. 22.8-24.4 inches)
• Helmet Dimensions:
  • Height without chainmail camail: approx. 25.5 cm (approx. 10 inches)
  • Internal width (ear to ear): approx. 21.0 cm (approx. 8.3 inches)
  • Internal depth (forehead to back): approx. 24.5 cm (approx. 9.6 inches)
• Total weight: approx. 4052 g (approx. 8.93 lbs)
• Quality branded product by Lord Of Battles®

Note: This helmet has been carefully oiled before packaging with a layer of conservation oil, which serves as a temporary protective layer against corrosion (rust). This protection can be easily removed with any oil remover, an absorbent cloth, or paper towels.

How to Care for Your Helmet to Keep It Like New

• Corrosion Protection: Regularly treat the steel parts of the helmet (especially after removing the original conservation oil or after use) with a thin layer of conservation oil (e.g., Ballistol, WD-40) or a wax intended for metal. This will prevent rust.
• Cleaning: After each use, especially if the helmet has been exposed to moisture or sweat, dry it thoroughly and lightly oil it. Also keep the chainmail camail dry and lightly oiled.
• Leather Parts: Keep the leather liner and strap dry. To revitalize them and protect against cracking, you can use leather care products.
• Storage: Store the helmet in a dry place. A helmet stand is ideal as it ensures good ventilation and prevents deformation of the liner or chainmail.
• Patina: The patinated surface is part of the helmet's historical appearance. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the patina.