Also known as a great helm or heaume, bucket helm or barrel helm, due to its simple shape—a flat-topped steel cylinder that completely covered the head. It had tiny openings for the eyes and mouth.
It is a type of helmet from the High Middle Ages, which emerged in the late 12th century, in the context of the Crusades, and remained in use until the 14th century. It was used by knights and heavy infantry in most European armies (1220 and 1540 AD).
Its shape later evolved and gave rise to the 'Sugarloaf helm'.
It protected the entire head but vision was limited, it was heavier, and provided little ventilation. It was not suitable for hot climates because it heated up quickly.
Knights often wore the great helm over a coif (hood), sometimes combined with a close-fitting iron cap known as a cervelliere.
The great helm was often blackened, lacquered, or painted, and adorned with:
Crosses and Symbols (ventilation areas)
Horizontal and vertical crosses (visor)
Crowns, feathers, plumes (as in helms belonging to Military Orders).
Certificate of Origin and Quality. Made in Toledo.