Norman Nasal Helm - 16 gauge

The Spangenhelm was a creation of the Scythians and Sarmatians from the Eurasian steppes.   By the 6th century it had become the most common helmet design in Europe. The word Spangenhelm is of German origin and refers to the “spangen” which were the metal strips that formed the helmet’s construction.  Spangenhelms were popular as they were relatively easy and cheap to produce. They were eventually replaced by stronger, but more expensive nasal helms with 1 piece skulls. Some of the nasal helmets shown on the Bayeux Tapestry seem to be of Spangenhelm construction.

The Normans were descended from the Viking raiders that settled in Northern France. Norman comes from the Medieval Latin "Northman/Norseman" meaning Viking. The Normans invaded England in 1066 and defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings.

The Norman "Nasal" Helmet was based on earlier Viking Helmet designs and could be worn over a chainmail coif or with chainmail aventail to protect the neck. The nasal bar was designed to protect the face but meant that Knights were often unrecognisable. The famous Bayeux Tapestry shows William the Conqueror tipping his helmet back to reveal his face and prove to his soldiers that he was still alive!

Our Norman Nasal Helmet features a reinforced 10 gauge nasal bar, leather liner a buckled leather chin strap.  It is constructed from 16 gauge steel making it suitable for most re-enactment groups.