Artwork Page for Kettle Hat (War Hat)

Details / Information for Kettle Hat (War Hat)

Kettle Hat (War Hat)

c. 1460

Italy, 15th century

Medium
steel
Measurements
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.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1919
Public Domain
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Location
210A Armor Court
Print
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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.
A steel kettle hat features a smooth, rounded crown and a wide, downward-sloping brim. Small metal rivets encircle the base of the dome and the outer edge of the brim. The metallic gray surface exhibits a reflective finish with scattered dark spots, pits, and fine scratches from wear. The brim curves slightly downward on both sides, while the left side of the crown displays several small, shallow indentations.

Kettle Hat (War Hat)

c. 1460

Italy, 15th century

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