Viking Spangenhelm With Aventail

Spangenhelms ("Spangen" referred to the metal bands that held the individual plates together) were effective and relatively easy to make, however, the pieced construction did result in some weak spots. Later helmets utilized one-piece construction. This example has a "spectacle" guard for the eyes and nose that is artistically embellished with terraced outlines and dimpling. The skull pieces are hammered metal which is solidly riveted to the connecting bands. The mail aventail, of course, protected the neck. Solid 18 gauge steel and completely wearable with an adjustable cotton liner. From Noble Armoury.

• Overall: Approximately 10-1/2" from skull top to tip of nasal
• Aventail: 9-1/2" long below nasal
• Wt: 7 lbs