The Armour Archive

Can you tell me about this kind of helm. In particular the "Phrygian Spangen i" Does phrygian refer to the point on the front of the head, or the faceplate? Is this helm by hjalmr the same type? Where and when would it have been worn?

Phrygian refers to the forward-sloping point at the top. It's derived from a Greek style of helmet that is modernly referred to with the same term, and the pointed helms regained popularly in the 12th century due to influence from a "phrygian cap" that remained popular throughout antiquity and into the early Medieval era. This was typically just a simple felt cap that had a similarly pointed top.

-Gregory

Are they typically spangen type construction? How would one describe this type of faceplate?

There are no surviving Medieval examples of Phrygian helmets, but they are common in late 12th century illustrations, particularly from Norman territories in southern Europe such as Italy and Sicily. I do not believe there are any illustrations that show them as spangenhelms, but rather as one-piece bowls with the pointed top, commonly fluted. The pieces you've cited are made with artistic license and incorporate features, such as the construction methods, that would have been dated by the time phrygian helmets regained their popularity.

Most faceplates from that era are referred to as shovel faced.
Thanks,
Brennainn