The Armour Archive

What is the latest documentation for a Norman conical helm of spanenhelm panel construction? This is not my normal area of study but I need some sources for a special project. I have seen suggestions that this persisted into the 13th century but I'd like some contemporary art, literature or other evidence. An extant helm would be nice but I'm not holding my breath.

I am attempting a child's helm with hardened leather panels and steel bands. At this point I'm considering dying the leather a solid color because the Norman spangenhelm reconstructions I have seen all use simple unadorned panels. Earlier spangens often had rich ripouse, engraving, or even cast bronze ornamentation which I could simulate in leather, but I haven't seen any such decoration in an early 13th century Norman context. If anyone knows of 11th to 13 century Norman helm decorations I'd appreciate some links or citations.

Another idea we discussed was to place a simple heraldic charge (a goblet) on the helm. It could be tooled onto the leather or etched on the nasal or even done in brass and riveted over the steel nasal. Is there any historical precedent for this sort of heraldic display?

Conical helms, though not spangen construction, are pretty common into the first quarter of the 13th century, where they are usually shown in bright colors. Some have identifying heraldry on the side, e.g. a rampant lion apparently painted on the surface. The 12th century Temple Pyx figures seem to have heraldic decor on their helmets.

Spangen type construction seems to have been viewed as obsolescent, being relegated to images of infantry or heathen. Here are examples of a conical spangenhelm on a heathen defender of Ai, and a spangen construction war hat from one of the fleeing Israelites from the mid-century Maciejowski Bible, folio 10r.

http://www.medievaltymes.com/courtyard/ ... etail7.gif

http://www.medievaltymes.com/courtyard/ ... etail5.gif

The latest illustration I know of to show a conical helmet of spangenhelm construction dates to c. 1200, and shows a scene from the battle of Lincoln of 1141. I'm attaching it (I hope this works!) for you. It's in the British Library - Arundel MS 48 fo. 168v.

Why are you using leather? If you want to reduce weight, wouldn't just thin steel be better? As far as I know there is no evidence at all of leather panels in helmets in the mediaeval period.

Thanks for the citation, Egfroth! I'm trying to make helms lightweight and rigid enough for SCA youth boffer combat. I also have a 2-panel Roman ridge helm of 18g. mild steel in work. When finished I will compare weights and rigidity. For the 6-9 year old fighters I think the lighter weight leather helms will be attractive. I can make the leather panels lighter than I would go with mild steel. A leather panel spangen beats a street hockey helm any day.