Medieval Helmets
The Medieval Helmet has a long tradition throughout the middle ages and the Medieval Period. It also has many variations that can be found around the world. The Basic Premise was the protect the head and often part of the face. This is an obvious fact but the size and shape of the helmets varied widely due to the types of weapons that were in use.

Spangenhelm 1 16G steel size L Medieval Helmet
"Conical helmets made up from separate metal plates (spangen) held together and reinforced with metal banding and rivets were in use as early as the 6th century and continued to be used in various forms as late as the 15th century. Our spangenhelms are typical of those in use throughout northern Europe during the 11th century and famously worn by knights on both sides during the Norman invasion of England in 1066. They are constructed from 16 gauge steel, the bowl comprising of two halves, welded together along a centre line back to front. Constructing the bowl from two halves as opposed to four or more separate plates is advantageous in terms of overall strength but would have been a time consuming and costly option for armourers of the period. Steel rivets are used to attach the overlying banding and nose-guard (nasal) to the helmet bowl. The nasal is cut from 3mm thick steel, which is creased along its entire length to increase strength and rigidity. Available in a choice of three nasal designs and in two sizes, medium and large. An adjustable leather liner and chinstrap is included."
Crusader Helmet - Full Size Medieval Armor
Crusader Helmet Developed early in the 12th century, the Great Helm became the mainstay of the Medieval fighting man and lasted for about 300 years. Sometimes worn over a smaller helmet and mail, this beautiful helmet with its menacing, narrow eyeslits was a strong, tough steel helmet fully capable of absorbing the shock of combat. This helmet is produced by hand with the same techniques they used for over 600-800 years ago. This helmet is both wearable and a collectable! 
Functional 14 Gauge Steel Combat Helmet - All Steel Construction
This full-size helmet is made of 14 gauge steel. The face bars are welded into place. The inside is unfinished, allowing for customization to individual preferences. The bar spacing is approximately 3/4"; the bars themselves are 1/4" thick. From the close-up photos, you can see how great care was taken to smooth the welds and edges. This is a sturdy helmet that would be suitable for SCA / LARP use. (Be sure and check with your local marshal for approval before use.) 
LIMITED EDITION- GONDORIAN INFANTRY HELM
This is a great example of how medieval helmet making and design has taken some wonderful shapes in modern day, and getting their inspiration from fantasy movies and books. This helmet is from Lord of the Rings and is a gondorian infantry helm. It is simply beautiful. Its also a collectors item but a bit out of the price range of most average collectors.
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The development of the Medieval Helmet
The illustration on the left shows some of the various helmets that were made and used during the 11th and 12th centuries. The conical helmet was often hammered from a single sheet of iron into a conical shape and it could have or be without the nasal or nose piece. The flat top helmet was also used.
The Spangenhelm is an excellent example of an 11th and early 12th century helmet. It was often made of bands of iron that were riveted into the helmet shape and the spaces in between were filled with sheets of iron or other metals. Sometimes the in between sheets were composed of layers of materials. The Kettle Hat, also called a'chapel-de-fir' was very popular for several centuries. And it still is being used by some armies of today albeit in a modified form, but the kettle hat shape can still be distinctly seen.
As the centuries developed the all encompassing helm became more and more common and they were widely used in the 12th century and later.
Make a Spartan Helmet
Make this helmet out of paper mache and cardboard. Complete instructions and video, along with a download of the template The Spartan Helmet
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