15th Century Italian Infantry Barbute Helmet
Protect your head with this elegant and functional replica of a 15th-century Italian barbute. Its characteristic open-faced design with extended cheek plates, inspired by the Corinthian helmets of antiquity, provides an excellent balance between protection and battlefield awareness. This helmet is handcrafted from 1.6 mm (16 gauge) steel and comes equipped with a comfortable leather liner and chin strap, making it ready for action—whether you're heading into battle, a LARP event, or simply expanding your collection. Further product information ...
15th Century Italian Infantry Barbute Helmet
Use in Practice and for Your Collection
This helmet is the ideal choice for anyone portraying a 15th-century foot soldier. Thanks to its open design, it offers an unrestricted field of view and excellent ventilation, which you will especially appreciate in the heat of combat. It is perfect for pikemen, halberdiers, crossbowmen, or any mercenary. Beyond historical reenactment, it's also excellently suited for LARP characters such as city guards, adventurers, or soldiers. With its iconic look, it also makes a magnificent display piece for any collection of historical armour and militaria.
Origin and History of the Barbute
The barbute helmet appeared in Italy in the early 15th century and quickly gained immense popularity throughout Europe. Its creation is closely linked to the Italian Renaissance and the rediscovery of classical art. Armourers were inspired by the classical Corinthian and Chalcidian helmets they knew from ancient statues and reliefs. In doing so, they created a helmet that was not only functional but also aesthetically striking. It was its simplicity, effectiveness, and relatively low cost that made it the typical helmet for infantry and lighter military units.
Special Feature: Why a 'Bearded' Helmet?
The name "barbuta" comes from Italian and means "bearded." The helmet earned this name not because it had any bearded attachments, but because of its shape. The open face frames the wearer's face in such a way that their beard (if they had one) was fully visible, becoming a prominent feature of their appearance, much like the ancient Greek hoplites depicted in statues.
Technical Specifications and Sizing
This helmet is handcrafted, so individual dimensions may vary slightly. For the most accurate sizing, we provide the detailed measurements for the L/XL size below. The interior features a fully adjustable leather liner with a drawstring and a leather chin strap with a buckle for a secure fit.
| Parameter | Value (Size L/XL) |
|---|---|
| Material | 1.6 mm / 16 Gauge Mild Steel |
| Recommended Head Circumference | 58 - 61 cm (22.5 - 24 in) |
| Overall Height (A) | 27.5 cm (10.8 in) |
| Eye Slot Width (B) | 15.5 cm (6 in) |
| Eye Slot Height (C) | 3 cm (1.1 in) |
| Overall Width (Side) (D) | 29.5 cm (11.6 in) |
| Inner Width (Ear to Ear) (E) | 20 cm (7.8 in) |
| Inner Depth (Front to Back) (F) | 23 cm (9 in) |
| Weight | approx. 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) |
Care and Maintenance
Your new helmet will be delivered to you carefully coated in a protective layer of oil, which prevents corrosion during storage and transit. Before first use, you can easily wipe this layer off with a dry cloth, paper towels, or a degreaser. As the helmet is made from carbon steel, it is susceptible to rust. To ensure its longevity, it is necessary to keep it dry. After each use, wipe it down and periodically treat it inside and out with a thin layer of oil (such as mineral oil or WD-40) or a wax intended for metal conservation.
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