Medieval Iron Warrior Helmet

Immerse Yourself in History with an Authentic Medieval Helmet

For history buffs, Renaissance fair enthusiasts, and cosplayers, few accessories bring a costume together like an imposing, medieval iron warrior helmet. These iconic helmets instantly evoke images of mighty knights, clashing armies, and epic quests. Though originally practical pieces of armor, today medieval helmets let us physically connect with the past and transport ourselves to another world.

In this buying guide, you’ll learn all about medieval iron warrior helmets – what they are, where to buy them, how much they cost, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs. We’ll also explore the history, construction, and purpose of these helmets to help you appreciate just how intricate and impressive these works of armor truly are. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to start your own medieval helmet collection!

What is a Medieval Iron Warrior Helmet?

A medieval helmet is a type of protective headgear worn by warriors and soldiers during the Middle Ages, between the 5th and 15th century AD. An iron warrior helmet refers to a medieval helmet made primarily of iron or steel.

These helmets took many different shapes and forms throughout the medieval period. Some of the most common types include the nasal helmet, spangenhelm, sallet, and great helm. Iconic features include a pointed nasal bar to protect the face, hinged cheek plates, and a pointed top.

Medieval iron helmets were vital pieces of armor, protecting the head from swords, arrows, and blunt force blows. They evolved alongside medieval warfare tactics and weapons technology and ranged from simple, conical designs to more sophisticated helmets with visors, necks guards, and specialized facial protection.

While primitive compared to modern helmets, medieval iron warrior helmets represent an ingenious use of rudimentary materials and blacksmithing techniques. Their unique shapes and intricate craftsmanship make them both functional works of armor and objects of art.

Where to Buy Authentic and Replica Medieval Helmets

There are a few great options when looking to buy medieval iron warrior helmets:

Museum Replicas – This company specializes in creating historically accurate, wearable replicas of medieval armor and weaponry. Their iron helmets are handcrafted from 18 gauge steel and treated to reproduce the look and feel of originals. They offer many classic medieval helmet designs.

ArmStreet – For more colorful and fantasy styled medieval helmets, ArmStreet uses leather, bronze, and steel to create stunning, artisan crafted larping and cosplay helmets. They take inspiration from history but add creative twists.

Etsy – Skilled blacksmiths on Etsy hand forge iron helmets and do custom orders. This is the way to go for truly unique, one-of-a-kind medieval iron helmets made just for you.

eBay – You can often find real antique helmets from the medieval era on eBay. These are rare and expensive but are the real deal. eBay also has lots of mass-produced replica helmets.

Renaissance fairs – Check out the armor and weapons vendors at your local Renaissance fair. You can try on different styles and sizes.

Costs of Medieval Iron Warrior Helmets

Like with most specialized costume pieces and props, medieval helmets don’t come cheap, but the cost depends on what type of helmet you want:

• Basic Decorative Helmets – $50 to $150. These lighter weight display helmets can’t be worn but make an attractive wall decoration.
• Battle Ready Reenactment Helmets – $150 to $300. Made from 18 gauge steel with thick leather or chainmail lining, these are wearable for sparring and historically accurate displays.
• Custom/Antique Helmets – $300+. One-of-a-kind helmets hand forged by blacksmiths or rare antique helmets can cost hundreds or even thousands. But you’re paying for a truly unique piece!
• Larping/Cosplay Helmets – $100 to $200. Sometimes lighter weight but with ornate painting and design details. Made for costume wear.

So set your budget and look for the right balance of affordability, historical accuracy, and features you need for how you plan to use your medieval iron warrior helmet. With some smart shopping, you can get an awesome, quality helmet that looks straight out of the Middle Ages!

The Many Uses of Medieval Iron Warrior Helmets

While medieval knights and soldiers wore iron helmets for protection in battle, today we have the luxury of using them for more lighthearted pursuits:

Reenactments

Reenactors who portray medieval warriors strive for historically accurate costumes and props. For the armor, detailed replica helmets in traditional styles, made from steel with leather or chainmail lining, are ideal for bringing medieval clashes and sieges to life.

Renaissance Faires

The medieval styling of Ren faire fashion means iron helmets are right at home here. Participants often wear lighter, cheaper decorative helmets perfect for getting into character as a knight, Viking, or rogue.

Costumes and Cosplay

Medieval helmets are popular additions for Halloween costumes or cosplays of fantasy characters like knights, dwarves, and barbarians. Many costumers creatively modify helmets to better match a character.

Collections and Displays

Even as just display pieces, medieval helmets are prized collector’s items and fascinating historical artifacts for martial history enthusiasts to own. Both decorative replicas and genuine helmets look striking on stands or shelves.

Live Action Role Playing (LARPing)

LARPers create elaborate medieval personas and costumes to act out their characters. A detailed medieval helmet lets them get into the roleplaying spirit and engage in safe, mock battles.

Education

Educators, like at living history museums, use helmets to demonstrate medieval arms, armor and warfare techniques to students and visitors. Helmets provide tangible, interactive history lessons.

The Diverse Helmet Styles of the Medieval Era

One reason medieval iron warrior helmets continue to fascinate is the creativity and diversity of their designs across the Middle Ages. Here are some of the most common styles:

Nasal Helmet

One of the earliest medieval helmet designs from around the 9th-12th centuries AD, nasal helmets have a simple, conical or rounded dome shape with a distinctive strip of metal projecting down to protect the nose and face.

![Nasal Helmet][]

Spangenhelm

This helmet style takes its name from the German word for “band.” Horizontal metal bands wrap around a conical helmet dome. Spangenhelms were popular amongst Vikings but also used throughout Europe in the 6-11th centuries. They offered good protection and were relatively easy to construct.![Spangenhelm][]

Cervelliere

Cervelieres were spherical, close-fitting simple helmets, almost cap-like, worn in the 12th-13th centuries, often under other helmets for extra protection. They evolved into bassinets. ![Cervelliere Helmet][]

Great Helm

The intimidating great helm, used in the 11th-15th centuries, completely enclosed the head and often had visors, eye slits, and breathing holes. Models with hinged facial plates allowed the visor to be raised. Great helms offered superior protection.![Great Helm][]

Bascinet

Evolving from the cervelliere, the bascinet helmet emerged in the 14th century. Unlike great helms, they had an open-faced skull allowing better vision and breathing. Bascinets could have hinged cheek pieces or visors added.![Bascinet Helmet][]

Sallet Helmet

Sallet helmets first appeared in Italy in the 15th century before spreading across Europe. They had a graceful, rounded skull tapering down to a short brim or visor peak. Sallet helmets left the face open and were lightweight. ![Sallet Helmet][]

Are Medieval Iron Warrior Helmets Historically Accurate?

One important consideration for history buffs is how accurate different helmets really are. There are a few factors to weigh:

• Materials – Iron and steel are historically accurate but some use cheaper alloys. Lining materials like leather and chainmail should match the period.
• Construction – Hand riveting and forging techniques are ideal, versus lower quality mass production. Good historical designs though.
• Decoration – Engravings and plumes should be minimal and period-appropriate, not overly-ornate fantasy designs.
• Weight – Helmets weighed 2-8 lbs. Ultra lightweight costumes helmets sacrifice durability and realism.
• Fit and Finish – Battle-ready helmets have thick, rounded edges versus cheap razor edges that risk injury.
• Price – Truly accurate helmets cost hundreds. But at $75+ you can get reasonable historic styling and moderate authenticity.

For displays and costuming, moderate accuracy is fine. But for serious reenactment and LARP, it’s worth investing more in premium materials, construction, and detailing to get a truly period-accurate medieval iron warrior helmet.

The Ingenious Construction of Medieval Helmets

Master medieval blacksmiths used clever techniques to forge protective and elegant helmets from simple iron:

Materials

• Iron – Wrought iron was hammered into helmet shapes. Low carbon steel later allowed harder, stronger helmets.
• Leather and Textiles – Padding like leather or padded fabric added cushioning and made helmets more comfortable to wear.
• Chainmail – Small linked iron rings attached to helmets protected vulnerable neck and chin areas.

Forging

• Hammering – Blacksmiths manually hammered sheets of iron over metal shaping tools using skill and strength.
• Domes – Conical and rounded dome sections were forged first, hammered around wooden blocks and mandrels.
• Joining – Cold riveting or hot forge welding pieces together created one-piece helmets.
• Puncing and Chiseling – Punches and chisels added holes, marks, and designs like crosses for decoration.
• Tempering – Heating and rapid cooling hardened helmets to withstand blows in battle.

Though crude by modern standards, medieval iron helmets display remarkable artistry and engineering to protect the most valuable part of a warrior’s body.

Key Stats on Medieval Helmets

To pick the right medieval iron warrior helmet, here are some key specifications to consider:

• Weight – Typically 2 to 8 pounds. Important for comfort and realistic use.
• Dome Height – Height impacts head clearance and fit. 8 to 12 inches is standard.
• Dome Width – Around 7 to 10 inches wide at the base for most adult heads.
• Thickness – Battle helmets used thick 16 to 18 gauge steel. Costumes do 20 gauge or thinner.
• Interior Size – Interiors average 20” to 23” circumference, depending on fit.
• Padding – Up to 2” thick foam or leather for cushioning and comfort.
• Eye Slits – Historically up to 2” wide by 4” tall. Wider can improve visibility.

Getting accurate sizing and weight makes your helmet stable, balanced, and comfortable for extensive wear. Don’t just guess – precisely measure your head and features!

Wearing Medieval Helmets for Cosplay

For cosplayers and costume enthusiasts, medieval helmets add an imposing, realistic touch to characters like knights, warriors, guards, and other medieval personas. Some tips for wearing iron warrior helmets for cosplay:

• Test fit and break in helmets before big events to ensure comfort. Adjust interior padding as needed.
• Apply padding or makeup to conceal the gap if your helmet has an open face.
• Actively stabilize and balance larger helmets when moving. Suddenly jerking your head risks injury.
• Add thick foam beneath helmets and cowl padding under chainmail to prevent chafing.
• Apply matte spray paints or rubberized coatings to reduce metallic helmet shine and avoid reflections.
• Attach helmet plumes, horns, or other accessories with strong but removable adhesives. Avoid permanent modifications.
• Research appropriate helmet styles for the character period, location, and rank for the most accurate cosplay.

With some smart strategies and safety tips, even a heavy iron warrior helmet can comfortably become part of your cosplay glory!

The Comfort Factor of Wearing Medieval Helmets

One downside to authenticity is that legit iron warrior helmets are heavy, bulky, and limit your vision and hearing. Thankfully there are some ways to ease the burden:

• Padding – Thick, quality foam or leather interior padding relieves pressure points and prevents chafing.
• Custom Fit – A properly fitted and balanced helmet tailored to your unique head size distributes the weight better.
• Suspension Systems – Nylon straps lined with foam cradle and suspend the helmet weight off your head for comfort.
• Limited Wear – Don’t wear helmets all day! Take frequent breaks to give your neck and shoulders a rest.
• Strength Training – Build your neck, shoulder, and back muscles with weight and resistance training to improve stamina.
• Prioritize Comfort – Opt for the most comfortable helmets styles, like bascinets and sallets, over heavy great helms.

Some discomfort is unavoidable. But well-designed medieval helmets utilize padding, weight distribution, and ergonomics to remain tolerable for extended periods. With practice and conditioning, you can get used to the encumbrance.

The Metallurgy Behind Medieval Helmets

Medieval blacksmiths crafted innovative helmets using fairly primitive metallurgy and forging:

• Wrought Iron – Nearly pure iron mixed with silicate slag from smelting. Tough and easily forged but low carbon content made it soft.
• Carbon Steel – Introduced in the 14th century. Added carbon greatly strengthened the metal. Slow to corrode.
• Alloy Steels – Trace elements like tungsten, chromium, and manganese further enhanced steel strength and hardness when alloyed.
• Sheet Iron – Thin sheets of iron could be hammered into curved plates for helmet dome sections. Rivets joined the plates.
• Bloomery Forges – Early furnaces smelted iron ore into spongy blooms, which smiths wrought into wrought iron.
• Crucible Steel – Higher temperature crucible furnaces produced small ingots of higher carbon steel for weapons.
• Chainmail – Intricate patterns of interlocking iron rings added flexible protection to helmets.

Despite primitive production methods, medieval blacksmiths mastered early iron metallurgy to equip warriors with effective armor like helmets. Their skill at the forge was unparalleled.

Caring for your Medieval Iron Helmet

Like all metal armor, medieval iron helmets require proper maintenance and care:

• Remove padding and disassemble before cleaning to access all surfaces.
• Gently hand wash with mild soap and water only. No bleach, chemicals, or machine washing. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Polish with metal polishing creams (like Brasso) and buffing cloths to restore shine and prevent corrosion.
• Oil moving parts and chainmail monthly using light mineral oil to prevent rusting and help joints move freely.
• Store in a dry, climate controlled space out of direct sunlight. Avoid humidity and check regularly for corrosion.
• Repair leather by gluing any tears and oiling to condition it. Rivet any loose iron components back in place.

With regular cleaning, oiling, and polishing, a quality medieval helmet can last for generations. Handle your investment carefully to maintain its peak styling and function.

Using Medieval Helmets for Reenactments

Thanks to groups dedicated to living history, you can experience medieval combat first-hand through reenactments. What should you look for in a helmet for reenacting medieval warfare?

• Battle-Ready Construction – Thick 18+ gauge steel that can take a hit, with rounded edges for safety. Proper riveting and welding.
• Correct Historical Design – Avoid fantasy styling. Pick an exact helmet model appropriate for your time period, nationality, and role.
• Snug Fit – Precise sizing for a snug, wobble-free fit. Interchangeable liner padding to adjust. Durable chin and neck straps.
• Limited Vision – Authentic eye slit sizes, even if visibility suffers. OPen faced helmets should have grills.
• Proper Weight – A heavy 5-8 pound weight matches real medieval helmets. Anything less damages realism.
• Premium Details – Hand forged steel, fixed visors, brass ornamentation and finishing touches increase authenticity.

If you’re passionate about true medieval combat reenactment, go for premium helmet quality and historically accurate design over affordability. Your experience will be all the more memorable.

The History Behind Medieval Warrior Helmets

To fully appreciate medieval helmets, it helps to understand their origins and evolution through the Middle Ages:

• Ancient Origins – Simple metal and leather helmets date back millennia to ancient Sumer, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
• Migration Era – Conical spangenhelm helmets spread through Europe with Viking and Germanic Tribes in the 6-8th centuries AD.
• Norman Conquest – Norman nasal helmets famously defeated Saxon troops in 1066, spreading this new style.
• Crusades – The crusades spurred advances like aventail chainmail and great helms to deal with eastern arrows and scimitars.
• Renaissance – Elegant armet and sallet helmets developed alongside full plate armor in the 1400s.
• Gunpowder – Firearms and artillery made helmets less relevant by the 1500s. Heavy jousting helms were an exception.

While early medieval helmets were simple and crude, rapid innovations throughout the Middle Ages resulted in sophisticated helmets specialized for different threats. Each era in warfare produced its iconic helmet styles still with us today.

How Medieval Helmets Differ from Classical Helms

Medieval helmets evolved distinctly from the simpler helmets of antiquity:

• Materials – Classical helmets used bronze while medieval helmets took advantage of forged iron and steel. This provided better protection.
• Production – Classical Greek and Roman helmets were cast while medieval helmets were laboriously wrought, riveted, and forged by blacksmiths.
• Coverage – Roman helmets often left the face open while medieval helmets added more facial protection like visors, nosguards, and bevor mouth plates.
• Decoration – Classical helmets featured large decorative horsehair plumes. Medieval helmets were more functional with minimal ornamentation.
• Variety – Dozens of regional medieval helmet styles emerged while classical helms were more standardized.
• Vision – Classical helmets allowed good vision and hearing with open eye slots. Medieval helmets sacrificed visibility for more protection.

The differences reflect changes in technology, tactics, and threats over the thousand years between the eras that armorers had to account for.

Functional Protection vs Decorative Style

Medieval helmets straddled the line between practical protection and impressive ornamentation:

Functional Designs

• Thick steel construction
• Enclosed design with visors
• Padding and chin straps
• Breathing and eye holes
• Secured aventail neck armor

Decorative Touches

• Engraved crests and ornamentation
• Etched bands and markings
• Painted heraldic details
• Plumes and decorative wings
• Partial gilding and brass accents

The balance shifted over time. Early medieval helmets were plain and pragmatic while later Renaissance-era helmets became more stylized as metalworking advanced. Even so, form followed function in medieval helmet design with lifesaving protection prioritized over flashy additions.

Customizing Your Medieval Helmet

Many medieval helmet makers offer customization options today:

• Size – Providing your exact head measurements for a tailored fit.
• Lining – Add extra thick padding or heat-resistant padding.
• Vision – Enlarging eye or breathing holes for better vision and airflow.
• Plumes – Installing attachments points to securely mount plumes.
• Painting – Custom paint finishes like metallic or antique patinas.
• Engraving – Etching personalized designs, logos, or period-accurate markings.
• Chinstraps – Choose functional leather straps or showy bevor mouth guards.
• Badges – Mounting pins, crests, or insignia to personalize your helmet.

Just keep historical accuracy in mind. Avoid modern changes like visor tinting or ostentatious colors not fitting the time period. Work with makers to ensure additions harmonize with your helmet style.

The Art and Science of Medieval Helmet Design

Medieval helmets blended artistry with ingenious design features:

• Vision – Narrow eye slits gave tunnel vision. Hinged visors opened the face entirely.
• Hearing – Ear holes channeled sound inside while buffering blows.
• Airflow – Perforations and slitted visors allowed air circulation and cooling.
• pari stabilization – Flared bases and integral aventails balanced helmets on the shoulders.
• Cushioning – Suspension systems and padded linings reduced concussive injury.
• Neck Protection – Integrated aventail curtains or bevor plates guarded the vulnerable neck.
• Durability – Tempering and case hardening strengthened helmets against dents and damage.

Medieval armorers arrived at innovative solutions to see, hear, breath, stay cool, and protect the head and neck while keeping the weight manageable. Form and function combined to save lives on the battlefield.

Buy Decorative Display Helmets

For decorative purposes, these affordable display medieval helmets deliver imposing style:

• Cranium Crusader Helmet – Classic pointed medieval knight helmet with faux chainmail aventail.
• Royal Armet Helmet – Elegant, sculpted Renaissance cavalry helmet with dramatic wingswept tips.
• Viking Spangenhelm – Embossed conical Viking helmet with ornate nose guard and brass accents.
• Dragon Knight Helmet – Intricately sculpted fantasy helmet with dragon motifs and LED light-up eyes!
• Templar Great Helm – Intimidating spiked crusader helmet with bold white cross.

Decorative helmets look amazing on display but aren’t meant for wearing. Go for dramatic styles and details impossible on real armor. Make bold statements without the cost of custom armor!

Research Reenactment Societies

For authentic medieval combat experiences through reenactment, check out these active societies:

• Society for Creative Anachronism – One of the largest groups, covering the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Features regular battles with padded weapons.
• Medieval Fight Club – Focuses solely on European martial arts reenactment and history. Stages tournaments worldwide.
• Legio XV Apollinaris – Roman military reenactors who stage mock gladiator fights and large battle reenactments with sets and costumes.
• De Re Militari – An educational group demonstrating medieval weapons, tactics, and life with an extensive traveling museum.
• The Jousting Tournament – Recreates the equestrian skills, costumes, and pageantry of medieval jousting matches and championships.

Immerse yourself in history and join one of these international groups to experience medieval combat arts just like a knight of old!

Top Quality Helmets for Reenacting

If you’re serious about suiting up for medieval combat reenactment, go for one of these premium, battle-ready helmets:

• De Montfort Armet Helmet – Gorgeous Italian-style sallet helmet with hinged face guard and hand-forged fluting.
• Sugarloaf Great Helm – Iconic 14th century English great helm with wide vision slit and ventilation holes. Authentic rope edging secures the aventail.
• Norman Nasal Helmet – Embossed carbon steel Norman helmet just like worn during the famous 1066 Norman conquest, with iconic nose guard.
• German Sallet Helmet– Elegant 15th century German helmet with flared tail, curb chain aventail, and dramatic winged crests. A stunning piece.

While expensive, you won’t find more historically accurate, well-constructed and imposing helmets for serious reenactment. Choose your era then invest to own an authentic piece of history.

Sizing Your Medieval Helmet Properly

An incorrectly sized helmet will be uncomfortable and unstable. Here’s how to size medieval helmets right:

• Measure Circumference – Wrap a soft tape around your head just above your eyebrows and ears for the circumference.
• Measure Height – Measure from the center of the top of your head down to just under your chin to get overall helmet height.
• Try Similar Helmets – Test helmets at the same sizes you measured to ensure good fit.
• Pad Evenly – Add foam or leather lining padding evenly across the interior to fine tune fit.
• Test Vision – Ensure eye slots line up with your eyes. Pressure should be minimal.
• Test Chin Straps – Adjust chin straps so the helmet sits securely without slipping or looseness.
• Move Around – Do some range of motion and lightly jog while wearing the sized helmet to test stability and comfort.

A snug, even fit is crucial for safety and comfort. Take careful measurements then validate them by test wearing the helmet before committing to buy.

Start Your Medieval Helmet Collection!

Few historical artifacts capture the imagination quite like imposing medieval iron warrior helmets. Whether you’re a history buff, armorer, LARPer, cosplayer, or artist, a quality medieval helmet is a must-own centerpiece.

Use this guide to demystify the world of medieval helms. Learn the styles, construction, and key stats to look for. Shop from reputable makers and customize the perfect helmet for your needs. Display them proudly and care for them properly.

Soon you’ll be equipped to live out your medieval battle fantasies in style. So raise your visor, noble knight – your epic quest awaits!