Close helmet

Close Helmet of Claude Gouffier

Close helmet refers to a type of helmet used primarily in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, characterized by its full coverage of the head, face, and neck. The close helmet evolved from earlier types of helmets such as the basinet and sallet, offering more comprehensive protection for the wearer in the context of both tournament and battlefield combat. It was a crucial component of the plate armor that equipped knights and other heavy cavalry units during the late medieval period.

Design and Features

The close helmet typically featured a visor that could be raised or lowered, allowing the wearer to reveal their face during peacetime or to breathe more easily when not in direct combat. The visor itself often had slits or holes to permit vision and ventilation. A notable feature of the close helmet was its bevor or chin piece, which protected the chin and throat, a vulnerability in earlier helmet designs. The helmet was constructed from forged steel plates, expertly shaped and riveted together to provide a balance of protection and mobility.

Historical Use

The close helmet became popular in the 15th century and saw widespread use throughout the 16th century. It was a standard piece of equipment for knights and men-at-arms, serving as a critical defense in the close-quarters combat typical of the period. The helmet's design allowed for effective protection in the joust, a tournament event that simulated the clash of cavalry forces, as well as in the melee, where mixed arms combat tested the mettle and skill of the combatants.

In addition to its military application, the close helmet was also a symbol of status and identity. Helmets could be elaborately decorated with crests, engravings, and other adornments that reflected the wearer's heraldry, affiliations, and achievements. Such customization made the close helmet not only a piece of military equipment but also a personal artifact that conveyed social and political messages.

Decline and Legacy

The close helmet began to decline in popularity by the late 16th century, as changes in military tactics and the advent of firearms rendered heavy plate armor increasingly obsolete. The development of lighter, more flexible forms of protection that could offer some defense against bullets and improved mobility on the battlefield led to the close helmet's gradual disappearance from the military arsenal.

Despite its obsolescence as a piece of military equipment, the close helmet remains an iconic symbol of the knightly warrior and is a prized artifact in museum collections around the world. Its design and decoration exemplify the craftsmanship and artistic skill of armorers of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, and it continues to captivate the imagination of those interested in this period of history.

See Also

• Armor
• Knight
• Middle Ages
• Renaissance
• Military history