Crusader cauldron hat with straps, 1.6 mm (battle-ready)

Product description

Cauldron hats like these emerged during the Crusades around the late 12th - early 13th centuries. This type of helmets may have been adopted from the Byzantine armies who wore these helmets as longer. They were worn parallel to the nose helmet. Helmets like these, like spangen helmets, consisted of different parts. This type was used until the early 14th century and several variants are depicted in the Maciejowski Bible of 1250.

Cauldron hats consisting of several parts were ideal for the foot soldiers, they could be produced cheaply and repaired during campaigns.  This type of helmet was so effective that aristocrats also wore it. The edge provided protection against downward blows and projectiles. The helmet offers a perfect field of vision, good hearing and optimal protection.

Around the beginning of the 14th century, the kettle hat developed into more advanced forms made from one piece steel. The edge of the cauldron became more sloping, deflecting projectiles from above. This reduced the impact on the helmet and head.

 This kettle hat is based on an illustration from 1230 of an infantryman depicted by Villard de Honnecourt. He lived in the 13th century in the region of Picardy in northern France. In addition to this kettle hat, the soldier wears a maliëshirt, knee pads and an overgarment. 

This kettle hat is made of 1.6 mm thick steel and reinforced with steel straps. It has a leather inlay, a chin strap with buckle and is suitable for a maximum head circumference of up to 61 cm. Weight approximately 3.35 kg.