Kettle Hat with Cheek Guards, 1.6 mm Steel

Kettle Hat with Cheek Guards, Medieval Helmet, 1.6 mm Steel

The kettle hat or war hat, a rather plain helmet in the shape of a brimmed hat, came into fashion in the 13th century and enjoyed great popularity with foot soldiers, archers, crossbowmen, pikemen, and men-at-arms all over Europe until into the 15th century. It owes its name to its resemblance to a cooking pot (originally called a kettle).
Although kettle hats existed in many variations, they all shared the same main feature: a wide brim that offered protection against downward sword blows and projectiles shot or dropped from above, without impairing the wearer’s sight, hearing or breathing. This design proved useful during sieges and mass infantry battles, and majorly contributed to the long-lasting prevalence of this helmet type. The so-called sallet developed out of the kettle hat in the 15th century.

This reconstruction of a late medieval kettle hat is made of 1.6 mm (16 gauge) steel. The brim’s edge is rolled all around, and four bands or plates (in German so-called Spangen) are decoratively arranged in the shape of a cross on the helm’s bowl. In the overlapping areas, the material thickness is up to over 5 mm. Dark brown leather straps with an antiqued brass buckle are riveted to the two cheek guards.

The interior is blackened for better corrosion resistance. It is fitted with an adjustable, padded liner made of black, high-quality fabric and attached with rivets.

Suitable for light combat re-enactment, LARP, stage or TV/film, this wearable helmet is most fitting for settings of the late Middle Ages and ideal to complete the armour of a European warrior. Of course, it will also make a great addition to any helmet collector’s treasure chamber.

Details:
- Material: 1.6 mm steel, cotton fabric liner (padded), leather chin strap with brass buckle
- Suitable for head circumference up to approx. 66 cm
- Long distance (back to front): approx. 23 cm
- Short distance (ear to ear): approx. 19 cm
- Height: approx. 18 cm
- Brim width: approx. 8 cm
- Outer dimensions at the brim (L x B): approx. 39 x 35 cm
- Dimensions of the cheek guards (L x B): approx. 14 x 11 cm
- Weight: approx. 4.25 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain helmets on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.

This is an original ULFBERTH® product.