Description
The Great Helm, often called the bucket helm, pot helm, or barrel helm, stands as one of the most recognizable pieces of armor from the Crusades era. Forged from a solid piece of steel, its cylindrical shape provided robust protection for knights during brutal combat, covering the entire head and face. The smooth matte finish you see here would have helped reduce glare from sunlight on the battlefield. The brass cruciform riveted on the face not only signifies the wearer’s Christian faith but also serves as a subtle reinforcement across the front. The cross-shaped ventilation holes carved into the metal allowed the knight to breathe more easily while still maintaining defense against incoming blows. Inside, the leather liner cushions the helm, absorbing shocks and making it more comfortable for long wear. This type of helm was heavy and could limit hearing and vision, but its formidable presence was a symbol of knightly duty and piety.
Specifications
Size:
Overall Length: Approximately 13 Inches
Internal Diameter, Front to Back: 9.34 Inches
Internal Diameter, Side to Side: 9.50 Inches
Eye Slits: 3 x 0.38 Inch
Forehead Circumference: 24 Inches
One Size Fits Most
Features
Brass Cruciform
Cross Ventilation Decoration
Inner Leather Liner
Fun fact: The Great Helm was often worn over a mail coif and a padded arming cap, and knights would sometimes decorate their helms with colorful cloth or heraldic symbols to identify themselves during the chaos of battle.
