A Great Helm is an enclosed helmet which protects not only the entire head but the face as well, extending down almost to the shoulders. The Great Helm made its first appearance around the time of the 3rd Crusade in the late 12th century, as seen in many manuscripts and frescos of the period. Originally barrel shaped in form (referred to as a Barrel Helm), it has forgone various design changes as time wore on specifically in the contour of its sides and top. By the mid-fourteenth century on, the Great Helms use was limited mainly to that of the joust.
The Great Helm is the most common style employed by combatants upon the list fields of the ROC. The biggest reason is because the Great Helm doesn’t require a lot of tools or technique for its construction and can be turned out in about one weekend. This is a moderate project for the beginner armour and does require some basic knowledge of metal working such as: creasing, peening and curling. Much care and time should be put into the construction if this is your first armouring project to ensure it is a safe "combat ready" Great Helm.
The Great Helm that we are replicating here is from the 13th century found in the castle of Aranæs in Sweden that had been ruined during an earthquake. It is on display in Stockholm's Historiska Museet.
Materials Needed:
- Approximately 30" x 30" sheet of 16 Gauge or heavier cold or hot rolled steel.
- 35 - 40 arming nails (rivets) 3/16" diameter by 3/8" long.
- A couple of sheets of poster board.
- A fabric measuring tape.
- A pencil or marker.
- A pair of scissors.
- A Beverly Shear or Jigsaw with metal cutting blades.
- A Hand Grinder and metal file.
- A 16 - 24 oz. ball-peen hammer.
- A 3 lb. weighted rawhide or Teflon mallet.
- A variable speed hand drill with 3/16" diameter metal drill bit.
- A dull hatchet.
Step 1.
First make a template by measuring and drawing out the pattern below onto a piece of poster board. Next, cut out the pattern and assemble it together to ensure that it will be in proper proportion. If perhaps it is not to your liking modifications can be made to correct the problem before you fabricate it out of steel. Remember, it is easer to correct a mistake on poster board than on the steel.
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