Spaning Helm (Spangelm in Spanish)
It is the oldest helmet, having been in use since the time of the Roman Empire, and was common during the medieval era .
One of its important features is that it is made in several pieces. This made its manufacture easier without compromising its safety.
However, despite providing excellent visibility and being very lightweight, it left most of the face and head uncovered, something that was usually compensated for by using chain mail to cover all the areas that the helmet did not.
In our medieval shop, we have several replicas of these helmets, most notably a replica of a 10th-century Norman Spaning Helm, specifically manufactured by Ulbert. Made of 2mm thick steel, with all its plates welded together and then riveted to the surface plates, it features a nose approximately 3.5mm thick with an angle that provides strength and widens the field of vision.
In addition, it has a riveted inlay to the helmet, made of thick canvas and adjustable inside with a cowhide leather strap, which is fastened under the chin with an aged brass buckle, providing much more comfort.
(Photo of the Norman Spangen Helmet, 2mm Steel )
Skullcap
At the end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th centuries, the cap appeared, a slightly more modern one, which was used throughout the late Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance.
Although it could be worn alone, like the Spaning Helm, it left much of the head exposed, so it was usually combined with a chainmail coif.
This helmet eventually evolved into the bascinet, but it never completely disappeared.
In modern times it began to be combined with hats to keep it somewhat hidden, but it still provided safety and protection.
It was worn primarily by nobles and men-at-arms.
In our medieval shop we have a helmet suitable for show combat.
Made of 2mm thick steel, it measures around 61cm and weighs around 1.60kg.
Its interior is blackened to provide extra protection against corrosion, and it also has an adjustable leather reinforcement to protect the head and offer greater comfort; this leather chin strap is riveted to the helmet and has aged brass buckles for adjustment.
(Photo of the Medieval Hat, Combat Helmet, 2mm steel )
Although it is just one of many replicas of this type of helmet.
Armet
Finally there is the Armet, the closed helmet in the English style of the 15th century .
It developed from early 10th-century Italian armor and consists of its typical crest and chin guard.
The collar was a two-part accessory, front and back, making it easier to put on and take off as it could be separated.
The visor was mounted on pivoting pins, which made it possible to open it completely over the forehead and down to the nape of the neck.
Inside it had a leather inlay, adjustable for comfortable carrying.
What made it more interesting was that it completely covered the face and neck, but consequently, it had the disadvantage of being very large and greatly reducing the visibility and mobility of the head.
In our store we have several replicas of armet, like the one shown below, made of approximately 1.2 mm steel with an approximate weight of 2 kg.
(Photo of the Closed Helmet, English Style, 16th Century )
Were you already familiar with these headphones? Which one is your favorite?
In addition to the ones we have presented, you can find other designs of these and many other helmets, weapons, armor, shields and more in our Medieval Shop.
You can also see examples on our YouTube channel, where you will find a video corresponding to Three Historic City Centers .
