by William Tell on Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:57 pm
Hi Lightly,
I will explain certain aspects of these Helmets for the benefit of everyone.
The first one is the Chapel-de fer, that is French for Steel Hat. This type was used all through the 14th century, in fact it was still worn by the armies of Joan of Ark. The chain mail (MAILLE) you see underneath is separate from the hat. The maille head piece is called a Coif. Yes this had leather lining all around the face opening (no armour ever touched the body directly) as one has to bear in mind that in those days they feared infections and if a ring had to break loose and penetrate the body that meant infection and death.
This type of hat had quite a large brim and it was so designed to protect the shoulders during a siege. Remember the crossbowmen used to try and get as close as possible to the besieged walls so as to get a better shot. The inside of the Helmet is leather lined as well, 6 equidistant pieces of leather were attached at the bottom by rivets and met at the top where they could be adjusted to suit the wearer.
The Second one is called the Kettle Hat ( the name was derived from actually using it as a kettle when needed) This Helm has mostly similar characteristics to the first, only the brim is somewhat smaller. This type of helmet was usually worn by the English and remained in service right down to the 16th century. in the 15th century the English used to paint them in bright colors so as to deter rust and act as identification from a distance ( unlike today's modern low visibility markings) From this helmet the famous British bomber hat was originated, in fact the shape is almost the same.
The third one is the Sallet. This shape was actually designed by the Germans. It offered a high degree of protection to the sides and the back of the head (still was penetrated by a crossbow though) As for those who do not know most all of the medieval helmets were made in such manner as described :
The thickest part of any helmet was the top part, that is from the hairline upwards and as the helmet flaired down to cover the ears and the back the material got thinner. They used make the thickest part of (armour and helmets) for the most vulnerable part of the
body. Same goes for the Curass ( breast plate) and the Arrass ( back plate) The thickest part of the breast plate was the left side to protect the heart whereas the Back plate was only around gauge 16-17 thick. This Helmet was also leather lined from the inside.
The sallet has seen many a great battles like Agincourt, Poiters etc. This helmet however was worn by the English, Germans and the French, but varied slightly from country to country (e.g. the Germans had the back much longer and laminated). However this was the true arbalist helmet as only the crossbowmen wore it. Please notice the shape of the second WW German military helmet. and later the US army, they are almost identical to the Sallet, as this shape never got discarded but improved.
These helmets used to be painted by the wearer as well. for the same reasons mentioned above.
Yes Lightly I made these and many many more of every period from 300BC - 17TH Century. Well hope you enjoy the historical information I've given my friends.
Last edited by William Tell on Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:00 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : spelling mistake)
wonderfull presentation!
I've been researching the different ring patterns in jewelry and armour..very interesting topic....how are your rings held together? do you simply bend them shut or do you also solder/braze/weld them closed?
"All Genius is Simple"
Cavalry Harness 1545 
Great helm 1340 
Hundskul 1460 
No objections there. Given the crossbowman helmets were made by you and if you think they are authentic reproductions(sorry, not my line of expertise 
), then why not make a topic in "Medieval Reproductions" forum and rename this one Arbalist Armour(or something along the lines)? What do you say...sounds good? 
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