Fleur-de-Lis Great Helm

The great helm, also known as barrel or pot helmet was used from the early 13th to the 15th century. New combat techniques which developed during the crusades and the use of heavy lances forced the knights to resort to a fully armoured headgear. The cylindrical pot helmets, which had only narrow eye slits were frequently worn as a second helmet above a bascinet or mail cowl, making penetration by sword or lance almost impossible.

Our great helm fleur-de-lis is handmade from four 18 gauge carbon steel plates riveted together. The cross shaped brass fittings reinforcing the nasal area and the eye slits follow the fleur-de-lis design pattern. Air holes on the front provide ventilation. The helmet weighs approximately 5.7 lbs.