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Construction of a classic armet (c. 1490), it is fitted with a wrapper and aventail, and the method of opening the helmet is shown

The armet is a type of combat helmet which was developed in the 15th century. It was extensively used in Italy, France, England, the Low Countries and Spain. It was distinguished by being the first helmet of its era to completely enclose the head while being compact and light enough to move with the wearer. Its use was essentially restricted to the fully armoured man-at-arms.

Appearance and origins

[edit]
Italian bascinet c. 1400. It has a single hinged cheekpiece, and its type may have had some influence on the development of the armet.
Early armet, c. 1440, probably Milanese, Metropolitan Museum of Art

As the armet was fully enclosing, and narrowed to follow the contours of the neck and throat, it had to have a mechanical means of opening and closing to enable it to be worn. The typical armet consisted of four pieces: the skull, the two large hinged cheek-pieces which locked at the front over the chin, and a visor which had a double pivot, one either side of the skull. The cheek-pieces opened laterally by means of horizontal hinges; when closed they overlapped at the chin, fastening by a spring-pin which engaged in a corresponding hole, or by a swivel-hook and pierced staple. A reinforcement for the bottom half of the face, known as a wrapper, was sometimes added; its straps were protected by a metal disc at the base of the skull piece called a rondel. The visor attached to each pivot via hinges with removable pins, as in the later examples of the bascinet. This method remained in use until c. 1520, after which the hinge disappeared and the visor had a solid connection to its pivot. The earlier armet often had a small aventail, a piece of mail attached to the bottom edge of each cheek-piece.[1]

The earliest surviving armet dates to 1420 and was made in Milan.[2] An Italian origin for this type of helmet therefore seems to be indicated. The innovation of a reduced skull and large hinged cheek pieces was such a radical departure from previous forms of helmet that it is highly probable that the armet resulted from the invention of a single armourer or soldier, and not as the result of evolution from earlier forms.[2] However, a number of Italian bascinets dating to c. 1400 (sometimes termed 'Venetian great bascinets') were discovered in Chalcis, Greece; these possess a single hinged cheekpiece (the other being immobile). This may have had some influence on the development of the armet.[3]

Use and variations

[edit]

The armet reached the height of its popularity during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, when western European full plate armour had been perfected. The term armet was often applied in contemporary usage to any fully enclosing helmet, however, modern scholarship draws a distinction between the armet and the outwardly similar close helmet (or close helm) on the basis of their construction, especially their means of opening to allow them to be worn. While an armet had two large cheekpieces hinged at the skull and opened laterally, a close helmet instead had a kind of movable bevor which was attached to the same pivot points as its visor and opened vertically.[4]

The classic armet had a narrow extension to the back of the skull reaching down to the nape of the neck, and the cheekpieces were hinged, horizontally, directly from the main part of the skull. From about 1515, the Germans produced a variant armet where the downward extension of the skull was made much wider, reaching as far forward as the ears. The cheekpieces on this type of helmet opened sideways, on vertical hinges on the edges of this wider neck element.[5] The high-quality English Greenwich armours often included this type of armet from c. 1525. Greenwich-made armets adopted the elegant two-piece visor found on contemporary close helmets; armets of this form were manufactured until as late as 1615. The lower edge of such helmets often closed over a flange in the upper edge of a gorget-piece. The helmet could then rotate without allowing a gap in the armour that a weapon point could enter.[6]

The armet is found in many contemporary pieces of artwork, such as Paolo Uccello's The Battle of San Romano, and is almost always shown as part of a Milanese armor. These depictions show armets worn with tall and elaborate crests, largely of feathered plumes; however, no surviving armets have similar crests and very few show obvious provision for the attachment of such crests.[7]

The armet was most popular in Italy, however, in England, France and Spain it was widely used by men-at-arms alongside the sallet, whilst in Germany the latter helmet was much more common. It is believed that the close helmet resulted from a combination of various elements derived from each of the preceding helmet types.

  • Armet made in 1915 to replace the missing original on an English Greenwich armour c. 1587
    Armet made in 1915 to replace the missing original on an English Greenwich armour c. 1587
  • An armet with a German form of construction, but possibly of Florentine Italian manufacture, opening in a manner different from a classic armet
    An armet with a German form of construction, but possibly of Florentine Italian manufacture, opening in a manner different from a classic armet
  • Comparison of a close helmet and an armet in open position, showing that the close helmet uses a single pivot point for the double visor and bevor, while the armet has hinged cheek plates that lock in place
    Comparison of a close helmet and an armet in open position, showing that the close helmet uses a single pivot point for the double visor and bevor, while the armet has hinged cheek plates that lock in place

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Oakeshott 2000, pp. 118–121.
  2. ^ a b Oakeshott 2000, p. 118.
  3. ^ Ffolkes, C. (1911) On Italian Armour from Chalcis in the Ethnological Museum at Athens, ARCHEOLOGIA 62, Part II Feb., 1911
  4. ^ Oakeshott 2000, p. 121.
  5. ^ Oakeshott 2000, p. 123.
  6. ^ Gravett 2006, pp. 20, 62.
  7. ^ Oakeshott 2000, pp. 119–120.

General and cited references

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Armet

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from Grokipedia
The armet is a type of developed in during the early , designed to provide full enclosure of the head and neck for enhanced protection while maintaining mobility for the wearer. It features hinged cheekpieces that fasten at the chin, a pivoting for vision and ventilation, a brow reinforce to shield the forehead, and often a rear rondel to safeguard the neck straps. Primarily used by equestrian knights and from approximately 1410 to 1510, the armet became the standard headpiece in and spread to regions including , , the , and , evolving from earlier designs with added hinged elements in the 1390s. Key variants include early models with protective flanges on the cheekpiece hinges (ca. 1430–1440) and later streamlined versions with pronounced combs and mail fringes attached to a separate for lower face coverage, reflecting Italian armor innovations that influenced export pieces to and beyond. Weighing around 7 to 9 pounds, these helmets were crafted for close fit under full plate armor, emphasizing streamlined aesthetics and practical ventilation holes, and examples from the period demonstrate both Italian craftsmanship and regional adaptations like Flemish armorer's marks.

History and Origins

Etymology and Naming

The term "armet" originates from armet, a modification influenced by arme (meaning "" or "") of almete, which derives from heaume or , denoting a small helmet or an "armed head." This etymology reflects the helmet's role as a protective headpiece in , with parallels in Italian elmetto, literally "little helmet," emphasizing its compact design. The word entered English usage in the via French influences on armor terminology. The name "armet" first appears in historical contexts during the early , coinciding with the helmet's development in , where surviving examples from Milanese workshops date to approximately 1410–1440 and confirm its recognition as a specialized form of visored head protection. These early Milanese artifacts, such as those bearing armorer marks, indicate the term's use in inventories and production records to describe a distinct type separate from earlier evolutions. To differentiate it from contemporaneous helmets, "armet" specifically denoted a close-fitting, fully enclosing design with large hinged cheekpieces that locked at the chin, in contrast to the Italian celata (), which often had an open lower face or pivoting leaving the chin exposed. This terminological evolution also set the armet apart from open-faced predecessors like the , which lacked visors and hinged elements, allowing for clearer identification in 15th-century armory documentation as a advanced cavalry .

Development in 15th-Century Italy

The armet emerged in between approximately 1420 and 1440, evolving from earlier helmet forms such as the and to provide enhanced protection for the head and face in close-quarters combat. This development coincided with the expansion of professional mercenary forces known as condottieri, who formed the backbone of Italian armies and required more advanced, full-enclosing helmets for mounted warfare. Centers of innovation included and , where armorers adapted designs to balance mobility and defense amid the region's intensifying conflicts. The Wars in (1423–1454), a protracted series of campaigns between the and the , significantly influenced the armet's refinement by escalating demands for superior facial and cranial protection against evolving threats like polearms and early firearms. These conflicts, involving large condottieri-led forces, spurred an that prioritized helmets capable of withstanding thrusts and impacts while allowing visibility and ventilation for prolonged engagements. Northern Italian workshops responded by producing armets from tempered steel, often with variable carbon content (0.1%–0.3%), reflecting early metallurgical techniques that emphasized durability over ornate decoration in initial prototypes. Among the earliest surviving examples is an armet dated circa 1440 from the Churburg Castle collection in , attributed to Milanese craftsmanship and analyzed for its hot-worked construction typical of the period. Similarly, a complete armet by the armorer Lionardo, likely from around 1440, exemplifies these prototypes with its simple, enveloping form designed for condottieri use. Armorer workshops in cities like , led by families such as the Missaglia (active from 1430), and in , with its longstanding tradition of weapon production, played pivotal roles in scaling production and iterating designs based on battlefield feedback. These efforts established the armet as the standard in by mid-century.

Design and Components

Overall Structure

The armet represents a pivotal development in late medieval head protection, featuring a compact, rounded bowl-shaped cap that serves as the central dome, designed to deflect impacts effectively while maintaining the wearer's head mobility during or movement. This typically measures approximately 25–27 cm in height, providing a balanced profile that contours closely to the head without excessive bulk. Originating in 15th-century , the armet's form emphasized streamlined suitable for integration with full plate armor ensembles. A defining aspect of the armet is its integrated enclosure for the entire head, which fully encases the wearer from crown to jawline, distinguishing it as a "close helmet" in contrast to more open designs of the era. Neck protection is achieved through a detachable bevor—a reinforced plate that secures around the lower face and throat—or via attachment points for a gorget, complemented by a fixed rear gorget plate often reinforced with a rondel to protect the nape of the neck, ensuring comprehensive safeguarding against downward strikes and thrusts. This enclosed structure, typically weighing between 2.8 and 4.3 kg based on surviving examples, allows for secure fastening that minimizes gaps while permitting the helmet to pivot with the shoulders. The armet's proportional balance prioritizes wearability with complete plate armor, distributing weight evenly across the head and to support both mounted charges and dismounted engagements without compromising stability or vision. Its ergonomic fit, achieved through adjustable straps and hinged elements, facilitates prolonged use by reducing strain on the neck muscles, making it adaptable to the dynamic demands of 15th-century warfare. Representative examples confirm this lightweight yet robust construction, with total weights around 2.9–3.2 kg enabling agile performance.

Key Features and Mechanisms

The armet helmet's visor is a pivoting element mounted on hinges or riveted pivots at the temples of the skull, allowing it to raise and lower for adjustable protection while enabling visibility through an ocularium—a narrow vision slit typically positioned for forward sight. This visor often incorporates breathing holes, such as pierced slots or circular apertures, to facilitate airflow during extended wear, with some designs featuring a lifting peg for manual adjustment. Locking mechanisms for the visor vary but commonly include a sliding rivet or sprung stud that engages a corresponding hole on the adjacent cheek piece, securing it in the closed position to prevent accidental dislodgement in combat. These features provide graduated defense levels, from fully enclosed for maximum protection to raised for improved peripheral vision. The folding cheek pieces, known as lames, are hinged directly to the sides of the one-piece skull cap, typically just above the level, and articulate inward to form a protective around the face and . When closed, these lames slide beneath the overlapping edge of the —a fixed or pivoted lower face guard plate—creating a seamless seal that deflects blows and prevents injuries to the lower by distributing impact forces across the reinforced structure. The cheek pieces themselves secure via mechanisms like a or pierced stud at the chin, often complemented by internal straps that at the rear of the for stability. This hinged design allows for rapid donning, as the pieces swing open to accommodate the head before latching shut. Ventilation in the armet extends beyond the visor to include additional apertures, such as a nasal slot in some variants for direct airflow to the and , alongside the ocularium which doubles as a sight line while permitting limited air circulation. Plume holders, often in the form of keyhole-shaped slots or rear holes along the skull's , accommodate decorative for wearer identification on the . These elements, integrated with the helmet's overall rounded shape, balance enclosure with practical usability, ensuring the armet could be worn for prolonged periods without excessive discomfort.

Construction and Materials

Manufacturing Processes

The manufacturing of the armet helmet began with the formation of the , typically raised from a single sheet of through hammering and dishing techniques. The sheet was heated and hammered over stakes or anvils to create the curved, dome-like shape, ensuring uniform thickness while compressing the metal's crystalline structure for strength. Dishing involved further hammering into concave forms using specialized anvils, followed by wiring along the edges—where drawn wire was applied and hammered in place—to reinforce the brim and prevent cracking under impact. This process demanded precise control to maintain the helmet's structural integrity, often resulting in non-elongated inclusions indicative of careful cold-working stages. Assembly followed, primarily through riveting and hinging to integrate the movable components. The cheek pieces, or lames, were attached to the via iron hinges or sliding rivets, allowing them to pivot and secure the face with or metal pins for adjustability. pivots were forged separately from tempered and fitted with rivets or hooks, enabling the to raise and lock securely while accommodating the 's compact design. Rivets, often burred over for permanence, connected these elements, with dozens used per to ensure flexibility without compromising protection; straps supplemented metal fastenings for wearer comfort. These steps highlighted the armet's engineering, where components like the and interlocked seamlessly. Finishing entailed , filing, and fit testing to achieve a functional and durable product, conducted in specialized Italian ateliers. Burrs and rough edges from riveting were filed smooth, followed by on grindstones or glazing wheels to create a protective, reflective surface. The assembled underwent proof-testing against weapons such as crossbows to verify resilience, with annealing—slow cooling after —applied throughout to relieve stresses. Production occurred in collaborative workshops, such as those of Milanese families like the Missaglias, where master armorers oversaw apprentices trained for 7 to 14 years in these techniques, emphasizing division of labor for efficiency.

Materials and Finishing

The armet was primarily constructed from tempered or mild containing 0.1–0.5% carbon, materials sourced from European forges such as those in and , where charcoal-smelted iron was refined to minimize impurities like and . These low-carbon steels were heat-treated through after fabrication to achieve a of 200–300 , enhancing impact resistance while maintaining workability for shaping. The steel's microstructure, often consisting of ferrite, , and , provided a balance of and strength suitable for withstanding blows in combat. Secondary materials included for hinges and decorative elements, which offered resistance and facilitated smooth pivoting mechanisms, and for internal linings to cushion the wearer's head and absorb shock. High-status armets occasionally featured , applied via mercury amalgamation and heating to deposit a thin layer for aesthetic enhancement, or to create intricate designs that highlighted the owner's and rank. Surface treatments focused on durability and protection against , with bluing achieved by heating the to around 300–350°C and in oil, forming a thin layer that provided moderate resistance. Alternatively, with linseed oil-based coatings was used on lower-grade pieces, creating a protective barrier while allowing for colored finishes. Gauging, or controlled thinning during , typically resulted in a uniform thickness of 1–2 mm across the helmet's components, optimizing weight at approximately 3–4 kg for mobility without compromising protection.

Use and Variations

Military Applications

The armet gained widespread adoption among Italian condottieri and French knights from approximately 1450 to 1500, becoming a standard element of their protective gear during the transition to more advanced plate armor systems in late medieval . Developed in , it served as the typical headpiece for mounted combatants, offering comprehensive of the head and neck to counter the prevalent threats of edged and blunt weapons on the battlefield. In , the armet supplanted earlier designs by the late , reflecting its effectiveness for units like the gendarmes who required robust yet maneuverable head protection. Integrated into full harness armor for both and roles, the armet enhanced overall defensive capabilities by providing superior enclosure against thrusting attacks while permitting greater peripheral vision compared to the more restrictive great helms of prior eras. Its construction effectively deflected slashes and mitigated the impact of mace blows through energy distribution across the contoured plates, allowing wearers to engage in prolonged without exposing vulnerable facial areas. In battlefield scenarios such as the (1494–1559), the armet's design conferred tactical advantages, particularly for charges where rapid and cheek-piece closure enabled quick shifts from to combat readiness. This adaptability helped maintain formation integrity during high-mobility maneuvers, underscoring the armet's role in sustaining offensive momentum against diverse and mounted opponents.

Tournament and Ceremonial Uses

The armet helmet saw significant adaptations for tournament use in late medieval Europe, particularly in and jousts from the 1460s onward, where it provided full head enclosure suitable for mounted combat with blunted lances. These events, emblematic of chivalric culture, involved knights challenging passersby at symbolic barriers, often requiring helmets that balanced protection with visibility. Armets were favored in Italian-influenced tournaments like the Welsch Rennen, featuring visored designs with fixed bevors to immobilize the head and minimize whiplash during impacts. Reinforced visors and thickly padded linings were essential modifications, as the helmet's steel construction absorbed shocks from lances traveling at speeds of approximately 48 km/h, equivalent to impacts from a 10 kg at over 100 km/h. Ceremonial variants of the armet emerged for parades and courtly displays, emphasizing aesthetic over combat utility while retaining core functionality. These pieces often incorporated embossed crests depicting heraldic motifs, gilding for a luxurious sheen, and intricate engravings of family arms or symbolic devices, transforming the helmet into a status symbol. In the Burgundian court armories under Philip the Good and Charles the Bold, such decorated armets were showcased in festive processions, blending Milanese craftsmanship with local heraldry to evoke knightly prestige. Techniques like etching and mercury gilding allowed for detailed floral or figural reliefs, as seen in surviving Italian-influenced examples from the late 15th century. By the early , armets transitioned into primarily parade-oriented pieces, prioritizing symbolism and ornate display while preserving elements like secure enclosure mechanisms for occasional mock combats. This shift aligned with the opulent tournaments of I (r. 1493–1519), where fluted "Maximilian-style" armets with grotesque embossed visors—shaped as exaggerated faces or animal heads—were worn in festive jousts and entries. Examples include Konrad Seusenhofer's works for European courts, combining gilded fluting with heraldic etching to honor imperial pageantry, as preserved in armories like those at . These helmets symbolized dynastic power, often paired with full garnitures for equestrian parades rather than battlefield rigor.

Regional and Temporal Adaptations

The armet helmet, originating in during the mid-15th century, featured a slim, rounded with a pronounced and prominent hinged cheek lames that closed to enclose the face fully, providing compact protection for use. This Italian style, prevalent from approximately 1450 to 1500, emphasized streamlined aesthetics and mobility, with the lower edges of the skull often turned outward to secure the cheekpieces and , forming an inverted semicircular opening for vision. In the , Flemish variants emerged around the 1470s and into the early , adapting the design for compatibility with broader plate armors common in Burgundian military contexts; these featured a one-piece with a low medial and flanged lower edges for enhanced integration with full harnesses. A surviving Flemish armet dated circa 1510 exemplifies this, with hinged cheekpieces and a attached to a reinforced structure weighing about 4.34 kg, marked by an indistinct Flemish armourer's stamp. Temporally, early armets from the 1440s retained more open-faced elements derived from influences, evolving to fully enclosed forms by the 1490s through refined and mechanisms that allowed better articulation. By the early , the armet hybridized with lighter, open designs like the , incorporating peaked skulls and reduced facial coverage for infantry versatility, while the —featuring a pivoting upper —gradually supplanted it for field use. This shift accelerated the armet's decline by the 1550s, as advancing firearms rendered heavy enclosed helmets less practical, prompting armorers to prioritize bullet-resistant reinforcements only on vital areas like the skull. Spanish and English adaptations in the early modified the armet for regional warfare, often with reinforced bevers to withstand formations and cavalry charges; English examples, such as those produced in Greenwich workshops, incorporated Maximilian-style fluting for added strength. Surviving specimens from the armory, including a circa 1510-15 armet with a low keel-shaped comb and engraved details commemorating Henry VIII's era, illustrate these heavier, integrated designs suited for mixed roles. In , armets were similarly employed until mid-century, blending Italian forms with local influences for tercios pikemen, though open helmets like the morion soon dominated due to tactical needs.

References

  1. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23227
  2. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24810
  3. https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-32081
  4. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armet
  5. https://www.yourdictionary.com/armet
  6. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/armet
  7. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/25391
  8. https://www.battlemerchant.com/en/blog/the-barbuta-helmet-history-and-development-in-the-late-middle-ages
  9. https://resources.metmuseum.org/resources/metpublications/pdf/European_Helmets_1450_1650_Treasures_from_the_Reserve_Collection.pdf
  10. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24686
  11. https://resources.metmuseum.org/resources/metpublications/pdf/On_the_Manufacture_of_Armor_in_Fifteenth_Century_Italy_The_Metropolitan_Museum_Journal_v_13_1978.pdf
  12. https://www.celticwebmerchant.com/en/blogs/info/armor-of-a-north-italian-man-at-arms-1380-1450/
  13. https://www.academia.edu/85043427/Further_metallographic_studies_on_early_armour_from_Churburg
  14. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23232
  15. https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-493
  16. https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-28780
  17. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1881-0802-28
  18. https://www.stormthecastle.com/blacksmithing/ebooks/the-armourer-and-his-craft-pdf.pdf
  19. https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/fire-gilding-of-arms-and-armor
  20. https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/what-is-bluing
  21. https://wallacelive.wallacecollection.org/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=collection&objectId=60573&viewType=detailView
  22. http://myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.9475.html
  23. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/26440
  24. http://myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.29761.html
  25. https://pasdarmes.org/virtualexhibition/atthepas
  26. https://resources.metmuseum.org/resources/metpublications/pdf/A_Book_of_Tournaments_and_Parades_from_Nuremberg_The_Metropolitan_Museum_Journal_v_45_2010.pdf
  27. https://www.medievalists.net/2025/04/medieval-lance-strike/
  28. https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-decoration-of-european-armor
  29. https://www.outfit4events.com/eur/product/12753-closed-helmet-richly-decorated-16th-century/
  30. https://www.battlemerchant.com/en/blog/historical-plate-armor-masterpieces-of-the-blacksmith-s-art
  31. https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-2623
  32. https://lordofbattles.com/history-behind-most-iconic-medieval-helmets/
  33. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/26428
  34. https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/arms-and-armor-common-misconceptions-and-frequently-asked-questions
  35. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/22224
  36. https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-39979
  37. https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-81113
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