Medieval kettle hat, antique finish, 1.6mm steel

Medieval kettle hat (Constance Cathedral model), 13th century, with leather lining, 1.6 mm steel

Details:

- Material: 1.6 mm steel, leather lining and chin strap, steel buckle

- Suitable for a head circumference of up to approx. 63 cm

- Inner length (back of head to forehead): approx. 21 cm

- Inner width (ear to ear): approx. 19 cm

- Height: approx. 19 cm

- Brim width: approx. 7.5 cm

- Outer dimensions at the brim (L x W): approx. 38 x 34.5 cm

- Weight: approx. 2.8 kg

This kettle hat is the ideal choice for anyone seeking an authentic, high-quality helmet at an affordable price. Carefully handcrafted, this medieval helmet offers excellent value for money and perfectly complements a suit of medieval armor.

The kettle hat—a helmet with a simple design resembling a wide-brimmed hat—emerged in the 13th century. It enjoyed widespread popularity across Europe until the 15th century among infantrymen, archers, crossbowmen, pikemen, and men-at-arms. Although initially most common among rank-and-file foot soldiers and not considered a classic knight's helmet, it was sometimes worn by knights under certain conditions, particularly in hot weather. All helmets of this type share a common feature: a wide brim that offers the wearer effective protection against downward sword blows as well as volleys of arrows or other projectiles, without obstructing vision, hearing, or breathing. During sieges and pitched battles, the distinctive design of this helmet proved advantageous and contributed significantly to its enduring popularity, as evidenced by numerous historical depictions (such as illustrations in illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, or tapestries).

The 13th-century (High Middle Ages) kettle hat replica offered here is crafted from 1.6 mm (16-gauge) steel, making it suitable—to a certain extent—for combat reenactment. It stands out thanks to its antique finish, which gives it an authentic, battle-worn appearance that sets it apart from the rest.

This magnificent helmet is not based on a specific archaeological find, but rather on a reconstruction or copy inspired by historical iconography. It takes its design from the figures of the guards of the Holy Sepulchre found in the St. Maurice Rotunda of Constance Cathedral, some of whom are depicted wearing kettle hats.

The sculptures in the Saint-Maurice Chapel provide an early and significant visual record of this type of helmet. The *Reallexikon zur Deutschen Kunstgeschichte* (Encyclopedia of German Art History) dates the sleeping guards of the Holy Sepulchre—located in the funerary chapel of Constance Cathedral—to around 1280, citing them as an early example of the *chapel de fer* (kettle hat) depicted in art. Our reproduction, inspired by the Constance guard figures, features a rounded bowl, a riveted crown strip—forming a low central ridge that widens towards the front and back—and a downward-sloping brim approximately 7.5 cm wide. The brim is also riveted to the bowl. The interior is blackened for corrosion resistance and fitted with an adjustable, riveted leather liner. A pre-punched leather chin strap with a steel buckle ensures a secure, custom fit.

This helmet is fully functional and suitable for light combat (reenactment), historical reenactment, LARP (Live Action Role-Playing), stage performances, or film and television. It fits perfectly into a High Middle Ages setting and is ideal for completing a European warrior's armor. Naturally, this medieval helmet also makes an excellent addition to any helmet enthusiast's collection.

The specifications listed above may vary slightly from piece to piece.

The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight traces of corrosion. We recommend regular maintenance, for instance with Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel items.