Tudor Close Helm (Armet) – 16th Century Knight’s Armour
2xStep back into the era of King Henry VIII and his wars in France. Are you looking for the ultimate head protection to complete your plate armour and give you the appearance of a fearless knight? This replica of a Tudor Close Helm (often classified as an Armet) is exactly what you need. Modeled after helmets used around 1522–1523, it represents the pinnacle of blacksmithing from that period. With its sophisticated opening mechanism and sleek design, it will become the crown jewel of your historical costume. It is perfect for reenactment, living history events, or as a magnificent addition to your collection. Further product information ...
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Tudor Close Helm (Armet) – 16th Century Knight’s Armour
Construction and Historical Context
This helmet is crafted from mild steel with a thickness of approximately 1.1 mm (18 gauge). The term "Close Helm" refers to its design, which locks firmly around the head to provide complete protection with a very narrow field of vision to expose the eyes as little as possible. A defining feature of this model is the lower bevor section, which is split into two overlapping pieces hinged at the sides. These hook together at the chin, allowing the visor to lock down firmly over them.
The visor is pierced with keyhole-shaped breath holes on both sides to ensure good airflow during combat. The helmet features a fluted comb on the top and a plume holder at the back for an ostrich feather. The upper visor is not fixed with a lock, a historically accurate detail that allows it to be raised easily, for instance, when riding a horse.
Practical Use and Safety
For your comfort, the interior features an adjustable leather suspension liner with laces, allowing you to customize the fit. While the helmet is described as "fully wearable", please note that the 18 gauge (1.1 mm) steel makes it most suitable for theatrical fencing, costuming, or light reenactment. It is not intended for heavy full-contact combat (such as Buhurt or HMB), where heavier gauge steel is required to prevent denting.
Specifications
| Material | Mild Steel, Leather |
| Material Thickness | approx. 1.1 mm / 18 gauge |
| Head Circumference | approx. 66 cm / 26 inches |
| Neck Circumference | approx. 47 cm / 18.5 inches |
| Total Height | approx. 29 cm / 11.4 inches |
| Total Width | approx. 22 cm / 8.7 inches |
| Depth (nape to visor tip) | approx. 38 cm / 15 inches |
| Neck Opening (closed) | approx. 13.7 x 14.0 cm / 5.4 x 5.5 inches |
| Weight | approx. 2580 g / 5.7 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Windlass Steelcrafts® |
Care Instructions
Steel is prone to rust, so proper care is essential. Wipe the helmet dry after every use to remove sweat and moisture. Store it in a dry environment. Regularly treat metal parts with oil (e.g., WD-40 or gun oil). Treat the leather liner with leather care products to keep it flexible and prevent cracking.
Recommended Accessories
We recommend wearing a padded arming cap underneath the helmet to ensure the best possible fit and to increase wearing comfort.
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