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Armour helmets have developed into a wide range of styles, each with unique functional requirements over the ages. Most of these types arose as a result of the need for improvement in defence, mostly due to the evolution of combat forces and weaponry. Here's a closer look into the many types of armour helmets that still hold significance today:
Great Helm
The great helm was most widely used by Western Europe during the 12th to 14th centuries. The great helmet was ovoid or cylindrical in shape and excelled in the protection it offered and somewhat harnessed the face as a vertical metal band protected the face while the top was closed off to provide better crushing resistance even used by blade weapons. Although it limited the vision and the ventilation somewhat, it was still better than the other helmets in defensive qualities. Most crusaders of this period wore great helms over other pieces of armour.
Basinet Helm
The basinet is thought to have evolved from the great helm in the 14th century. Because of its design, which incorporated a face shield or visière, it offered more protection to the face. With this, the integration of the heart-shaped or elongated face was a major design improvement that offered better visibility and ventilation. The basinet was widely adopted by knights and infantry, helping to influence later designs.
Sallet Helm
The sallet is a helmet that first appeared in the late 14th century and was widely used in the 15th century. Its form was mainly a rounded skullcap shell that provided better head protection. The face was often left exposed or poorly protected by a hinged face guard visors and a great helm or basinet that the sallet had underneath, which added to the flexibility and better vision in battles. The sallet was adopted by many as it was lightweight and provided better mobility.
An aventail was a mail curtain attached to the lower brim of the sallet or great helm and is thought to have been in existence in the 14th century. The mail curtains would protect the neck and shoulders. The distinction of the aventail from other similar designs was its integration with the sallet or great helm, which provided all-around protection. Most of the helmets of this type could be removed, offering the user the option to use or not use the curtain when in need of protection.
Skull Cap Helmet
Skull cap helmets are the earliest known in history originating from ancient civilisations consisting of a simple rounded cap. As warfare became more complex, the skull caps evolved into more complex helmets incorporating face protection and other elements. In the medieval era, these helmets were used with other pieces of armour, mostly under larger helmets. The design is also notable for its ability to be easily combined with different defence elements.
The burden of head protection from these helmets and the protection they afford to the head is still very crucial in understanding how they came to be as types or are easily classified over the years as how effective they have come to be in their intended protection with regard to the period they were made. Here are some designs of armour helmets:
Gladiator Helm
Gladiator helmets varied considerably in design as they were possibly the most striking due to their ornamental nature during battles. Some were better warriors than others in the arena; for example, the murmillo helmet had a fish crest on it and was asked to protect him from the takedown punches while the netted who fought with a trident had a helmet that would provide more protection for his head from any tackle transport. Contrary to what most people think, some of these helmets were not only decorations; they also offered a fair amount of protection, although it was limited compared to modern-day helmets.
Fishmouthing Helmets
Fishmouth helmets were used during the 15th century, and the significance of their name lies in the opening of the face, which resembles a fish's mouth. This design was a great improvement on previous designs, as it offered great protection for the head and especially for the face. The visors could be opened and closed, which was very practical during fights as the warrior could shut the visor for protection and open it for better visibility, mainly when not in combat. This design became prevalent amongst knights and other fighting soldiers alike due to its effectiveness.
Bascinet Helm with a Face Shield
This was one of the defining designs of the 14th century as the bascinet helmet had face protection or a vis courtesy of the heart-shaped facemask which offered great protection, but it also had an eye aperture, which allowed great visibility. It could be worn with an aventail for more neck and shoulder protection. This design was vital in the great changes that were being made to helmet designs to enhance the protection of the head during warfare.
Sallets with Streamers
By the 15th century, sallets commonly known as back and fauld or streamers featured cloth or metal strips that hung down from the back and sides of the helmet in extension of the protection around the neck and shoulders. This design addressed mobility and protection; the relatively small profile of the sallet compared to earlier helmets allowed better movement crucial in battles. The added protection from the back and fauld was a great improvement to this design in protection.
When choosing the right amour helmets for procurement there are some strategic considerations that wholesale buyers should take into account to achieve the best results. These include:
Primary usage
Judging the prevailing conditions the helmets will be facing during usage should be the first factor to influence the choice, considering both modern and historical. Buyers who wish to stock up on helmets suitable for combat re-enactment to stock historical styles while helmets designed for practical usage in modern warfare require tactical helmets. In each case, durability, strength, and functionality are of the essence.
Material Composition
The materials used to make the helmets have a direct impact on their protective capabilities as well as on their weight. Since they are known for their strength, helmets that are made of steel, carbon fibre, and other derivatives are commonly used in most cases due to the lightweight they bring. To meet different market preferences, buyers should consider stocking helmets made of varying materials.
Safety and Protection Features
One of the main factors to consider when getting amour helmets is the safety level, which must conform to safety standards. In this case, features such as shock absorption capability, penetration resistance, and added protection for the face and ears are kept under consideration. Buyers may also consider helmets with inner padding for comfort since it plays a huge role in safety and requires longer wear.
Adjustability and fit
For proper protection or defence, the helmet must fit properly. Expect to find helmets with adjustable straps and internal padding that can be altered to fit different head sizes. This also increases comfort since discomfort in helmets commonly used will lead to the failure and elimination of the underequipment. Buyers need to evaluate adjustability to ensure the stock can accommodate various users.
Historical accuracy vs functionality
Buyers dealing with historical helmets must balance historical accuracy with practicality. While some customers prefer styles that have been historically used, others might be interested in the more practical designs that offer better safety. Depending on the demand, the stock should contain helmets of both types or those that have incorporated modern features into historical designs to improve their practicality.
A1-All helmets are meant to offer protection in battle but with levels of protection against gunfire varying with the type of helmet. Tactical helmets are made for modern warfare with protection against bullets, while many historical combat helmets do not have this protection as they were not designed to do so.
A2-The commonly used materials are steel and carbon fibre composite since each of them has unique strength and weight advantages. Also, many amour helmets are made of materials that have been historically used in making helmets, including iron and bronze, to provide them with the authenticity of history.
A3- For effective protection, the helmet must fit perfectly; thus, to measure the size, a flexible tape is brought around the fullest part of the head above the ears and brow. The size of the amour helmet that is chosen should be such that it won't slide off or crush the wearer's head.
A4-There are indeed historically accurate helmets that can be used for practical applications. These helmets incorporate comfort, safety, and ease of use to effectively promote safe use in everyday contexts.
A5-More or less the outside of the amour helmets should be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap, and care should be taken not to scratch the surface. For further maintenance, strict adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines for storage and maintenance, as well as additional precautionary measures to maintain its integrity, is recommended.
