Apr 18, 2020
Oct 22, 2010

Kettle Hat (War Hat)

Kettle Hat (War Hat)

c. 1460

Steel

Overall: 30.3 x 25.9 x 17.5 cm (11 15/16 x 10 3/16 x 6 7/8 in.)

Weight: 5.66 kg (12.48 lbs.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1919

Did you know?

Modern soldiers wear Kevlar combat helmets that weigh four to five pounds. By comparison, this medieval helmet is nearly three times as heavy. Imagine what it would have been like to wear such a heavy piece of equipment on your head during a siege.

Description

Open helmets like this one were used by medieval infantries. The helmet weighs 12-1/2 pounds. This unusual weight was required for siege purposes—such helmets were worn by the men who attempted to scale the walls of an armed town. The rivet holes along the ridge were for the attachment of the liner.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Arms & Armor
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Arms and Armor
Medium: 
Steel

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