German kettle hat, iron helmet, 1.6 mm

Product description

This kettle hat is a replica of a simple, functional iron helmet as worn by ordinary foot soldiers and medieval warriors throughout Europe. The wide, round brim protects the face, neck and shoulders from downward blows and gives the helmet its recognizable medieval appearance.

The kettle hat, in German also called Eisenhut, was one of the most common helmet types of medieval Europe and was mainly worn by foot soldiers, though knights also sometimes resorted to it during warm weather. In the Holy Roman Empire, variants with a much larger brim and even a visor emerged in the early 15th century, often combined with a mail coif or steel bevor - a development that was partly the foundation of the later German sallet. This specimen is made of 1.6 mm steel, with a leather inner insert and an adjustable chin strap for a good fit.

The helmet can be worn either straight on the head for optimal vision, or tilted slightly over the eyes - a wearing style that strongly resembles that of the later sallet. This is suitable for re-enactment, living history, exhibitions and collectors.