13th Century Crusader Great Helm / Pot Helm
Become a True Crusading Knight: Step into the era of valiant knights and the great Crusades! This massive Great Helm, inspired by historical originals from the 13th century, is the cornerstone of your armour. Its iconic shape, featuring the characteristic cross reinforcement on the face, not only provided superior protection but was also a symbol of faith and determination. With this helmet on your head, you will become the highlight of any historical event, LARP, or festival. Further product information ...
13th Century Crusader Great Helm / Pot Helm
Detailed Replica Description
Construction and Material
The helmet is handcrafted from 1.6 mm (16 gauge) mild steel, lending it authenticity and robustness. The individual steel plates are solidly riveted together, forming a sturdy shell for the entire head. The dominant feature is the frontal cross-shaped reinforcement, which strengthens the faceplate. Narrow rectangular eye slits (visors) ensure a basic field of vision, while numerous ventilation holes in the lower section facilitate breathing and thermal regulation.
Inner Liner for Your Comfort
Inside the helmet, you'll find a fully adjustable leather liner. It not only enhances wearing comfort but also effectively absorbs shock and allows for a perfect fit on your head. A sturdy leather chin strap with a buckle is also included, ensuring the helmet stays securely in place, even in the heat of battle.
Ways to Use Your Helm
This Crusader helmet is the ideal choice for:
- LARP and Historical Fencing: Perfectly complements your knight or man-at-arms costume.
- Reenactment and Historical Fairs: Lends maximum authenticity to your character.
- Theatrical and Film Productions: Serves as an impressive prop.
- Decoration: Becomes a standout piece in your collection or interior design.
Important Notice
Please note that this is a replica intended for decorative purposes, LARP, or light combat reenactment. It is not certified personal protective equipment and is not designed for full-contact combat such as buhurt, Battle of the Nations, or similar activities involving forceful impacts.
Technical Specifications and Sizing
The helmet comes in one universal size that, thanks to the adjustable liner, fits most warriors.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Circumference (with liner) | approx. 27.2 in (69 cm) |
| Internal Circumference (without liner) | approx. 28.3 in (72 cm) |
| Internal Depth (forehead to back) | approx. 9 in (23 cm) |
| Internal Width (ear to ear) | approx. 8.3 in (21 cm) |
| Height | approx. 13.4 in (34 cm) |
| Material Thickness | approx. 16 gauge (1.6 mm) |
| Weight | approx. 8.77 lbs (3.98 kg) |
A Glimpse into History
The Great Helm evolved at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries and represented a revolution in head protection. Its fully enclosed design provided the knight with an unprecedented level of security from all angles. This helmet type, often with a cross reinforcement, is intrinsically linked to the Crusader period, with depictions found in many contemporary sources such as the Codex Manesse, the Maciejowski Bible, and on a statue in the church of Santa Maria la Real in Olite, Spain. This specific replica is modeled after an original artifact housed in the German Historical Museum in Berlin.
An Interesting Historical Fact
Although the Great Helm offered excellent protection, its disadvantages were limited visibility and restricted breathing. Consequently, it was gradually replaced on the battlefield around the mid-14th century by the lighter and more practical bascinet. However, the Great Helm retained its popularity for much longer in a different arena: the knightly tournament, where maximum protection was valued more highly than battlefield practicality.
Care Instructions
Your new treasure is carefully coated with a layer of protective oil at the time of packaging to prevent corrosion. You can easily wipe this layer off with a dry cloth or use an oil remover. To maintain its original beauty and protect it from rust, we recommend that you regularly treat the helmet with a thin layer of mineral oil (such as WD-40) and store it in a dry environment.
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