German / Swiss Visored Kettle-Sallet Helm – Lord of Battles

A common sight on Medieval German and Swiss warriors, the Visored Kettle helm is not only practical in design but it is also one of the more menacing looking helmets of the medieval period and its utility and intimidating visage fully epitomizes German and Central European medieval character. This recreation is crafted from 16 gauge steel; the visor is articulated and it integrates a spring pin lock which will lock the helmet into position when closed; pressing upon an adjacent pin releases the lock and allows for the visor to be raised.

The interior is lined with an adjustable suspension liner of padded cotton canvas cloth; an integrated chin strap of durable leather with an adjusting brass buckle fastens the helmet to the head. Some of the photos depict this helmet being used in conjunction with a bevor which was a common historical arrangement.

Please Note: Bevor is not included, nor are any other accessories. A bevor is available separately under the also available thumbnail link.

This iconic helmet of the late Medieval period is a fascinating development for it incorporates elements from the standard Kettle helm and melds them with much of the form and features of the late medieval Sallet helmet. With the helmet visor in a down position the helmet functions as a visored sallet with eye slits and simply tilting the entire helmet back with the visor in a locked position allows it to function as a standard kettle helm. The brim of the helmet is clearly a design feature from kettle helms, but a closer look at the body, dome and hinged visor of the helmet reveals a great deal of influence from the central european Sallet.

The encompassing protection of the helmet gives great protection the most of the upper head and the brim ensures that oncoming blows connect with the helmet as far away from the face and head as is practical and it also gives improved protection from oncoming projectiles from overhead. This sort of helmet pairs very well with an encompassing bevor to give protection to the lower face and neck and using these two in combination not only gives excellent overall protection to the head, but also facilitates easier breathing by leaving an open gap between the gorget and helmet This gap gives good airflow for the bearer whilst being well defended by the brim of the helmet.This arrangement is also rather ingenious – with the bevor secured into a fixed position it actively prevents the head from being rotated from a strong blow to lower face or chin and causing a combatant to break their neck whilst still allowing for the head to move within the bevor.

This sort of helmet is often depicted on German Knights and professional men-at-arms and also among the better-equipped front ranks of the pike and halberd formations favored by the Swiss Cantons.