Transitional Helms

By the end of the 11th century, most Norman knights were still wearing the tried-and-true Nasal helmet.  However, during the great Norman expansion, the Norman knightly elite came face-to-face with Mediterranean civilizations employing large numbers of archers in their armies. The simple bar of the Nasal helmet was no longer seen as sufficient to protect the face of the rider charging through such deep hails of arrows. Increased face protection was required. As a result, new designs offering increased facial protection emerged, including the Normano-Sicilian style featured here. This helmet is a perfect choice for your next Crusader knight set!

Handmade from 16 gauge MILD STEEL, this helmet is ideal for medieval knightly reenactment and real-life combat. A genuine leather liner acts as a shock absorber. The brass buckle and a sturdy leather strap combine to make a reliable closure. It can fit almost all who wish to wear it, thanks to an inner circumference of 68cm.

Inner Circimference: 68cm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

There are several examples of conical helmets with large facial visors. This one in particular is based on one found in the magnificent Romanesque portico of the church of Santa María la Real, in Sangüessa (Navarra). In the exterior archivolt you can see the professions of medieval society, including two armed men. One of them wearing a helmet like the one shown here. Other very similar ones can be seen in some codices of the same period.

Leather chin strap included. Made of 2mm steel with 1.6mm visor. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used in its manufacture.

Size M: 60~61 cm perimeter
Size L: 63~64 cm perimeter

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

This unusual Crusades era Spangenhelm, based on an early 13th century example, is provided with a ventilated faceplate, so providing full facial protection. It is constructed from 14 gauge steel with a suspension liner and chinstrap.

Made of 2mm steel with 1.6mm visor. Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used in its manufacture.

Size M: 60-61 cm Perimeter
Size L: 63-64 cm Perimeter

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Our kalota with face guard is a handsome example of the continuous development and improvement of helmets in the Middle Ages. This kalota replica (type of early great helm) with a menacing face guard provides much more protection than a simple bowl with a Spartan nose guard.

It gets its strength from its material: 18 gauge steel. You can adjust the leather liner to fit your head perfectly, and you fasten it securely under your chin using a leather strap and buckle. The kalota helmet: protection and wearing comfort in one.

Inner Circumference: 66cm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the Medieval Transitional Helm with confidence from the UK’s leading Medieval Helmet retailer.

Sometimes knights will prioritise protection over vision for obvious reasons. The Topfhelm (literally Pot Helmet) has evolved from the less protective spangenhelm, and there is eveidence of its use during the late medieval ages.

Our “Early Top Helmet” is one of the earlier versions of these Topfhelms, suitable for Knights and Infantrymen. Made in 1.6mm steel with natural canvas lining.

Perimeter: 63-64cm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the Early Pot Helmet with confidence from the UK’s leading Medieval Helmet retailer.

The Templar Helmet is a style of transitional helmet that dates from the 12th - 13th century. This was a period when the open-faced flat topped helmets gradually evolved into the more protective Great Helms of later periods. The addition of a full face visor afforded much more protection than the simple nasal bar of the previous centuries – at the cost of better vision and ventilation.

This helmet is constructed from 16 gauge steel and features an adjustable leather spider liner and buckled chin strap. 16 gauge steel construction is suitable for most re-enactment groups.

Height: 31cm
Width: 21cm
Depth: 26cm
Circumference: 64cm
Weight: 2528g

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the Templar Transitional Helmet with confidence from the UK’s leading Medieval Helmet retailer.

The Templar Helmet is a style of transitional helmet that dates from the 12th - 13th century. This was a period when the open-faced flat topped helmets gradually evolved into the more protective Great Helms of later periods. The addition of a full face visor afforded much more protection than the simple nasal bar of the previous centuries – at the cost of better vision and ventilation.

Our Templar Transitional Helm is constructed from lacquered 18 gauge steel and features a leather chin strap. Does not come with a helmet liner. Not recommended for contact re-enactment.

Length: 20cm
Width: 23cm
Height: 28cm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the Templar Transitional Helm with confidence from the UK’s leading Medieval Helmet retailer.