This great helm is finished with a crown, reflecting the elevated status such a helmet would signal, befitting a king rather than an ordinary knight. The great helm arose in the late 12th century in the context of the Crusades and remained in use into the 14th century, its fully enclosing form offering superior protection against lance strikes. A crowned great helm carried real symbolic weight, marking its wearer as royalty even beneath a fully concealing visor.
The great helm arose in the late 12th century, in the context of the Crusades, offering superior protection against lance strikes once the couched-lance cavalry charge made face-level blows a serious hazard. A crown-topped example like this reflects the practice of royal and high-ranking figures marking their status even on fully enclosing battlefield equipment, a visible signal of rank even when the wearer's face itself was hidden.
Part of our Medieval heritage range.
Use for:
- Medieval knightly living history and display
- Museum-style display on a stand
- Medieval-themed home decor and collections
- Historical events and Medieval fairs
- Film and theatre productions set in the Late Medieval period
- Collectors of Medieval helmet forms
