Popular Historical Medieval Knight Helmets
John Hilde
Have you ever been to a renaissance festival or a SCA
battle reenactment? If you have, then you've probably noticed
the plethora of medieval knight costumes. If you haven't, then
you've seen plenty of this in movies and various TV spots. If
you're looking to collect some medieval helmets of your own,
create a unique costume, or are participating in a battle
reenactment for the first time, then it's important to know some
of the basic medieval helmet types.
This article will mostly discuss the two most popular forms of
medieval helmets: the Crusader helmet and Sugar Loaf helmet.
Luckily, these two helmets can be found on almost any online
armor and weapons retail site. The crusader helmet is one of the
most recognizable from the medieval times because of its
memorable brass cross that often is embossed on the front of the
helmet. It also was the helmet of choice for the crusaders in
the Middle East. You'll find air holes in plenty on the front of
the helmet, and two medium sized wide cut eye holes. Most online
stores will sell 18 gauge crusader helmets. While these are fine
for collections, costumes, and stage plays, you'll want a 16 or
14-gauge helmet for SCA battle reenactments. The Sugar Loaf
helmet is also a very popular and recognizable medieval helmet.
You've probably associated this with the crusades as well. This
helmet is very similar to the crusader except that it is more
elongated and comes to a rounded point on the top. Again, the
brass cross is embossed on the front of this helmet and there is
plenty of air holes in the front.
Medieval
helmets such as these are going to ensure maximum air flow
when you are puffing away in the heat of battle. From what I've
seen you'll be hard pressed to find a 14-gauge Sugar Loaf
helmet, so you may have to make due with the standard 18 gauge
thickness.
About the author:
John Hilde is a historical weapons and armor collector and owns
his own online store selling authentic armor and weapons. Please
visit http://www.armorvenue.com to learn more.
