SA0255 13th Century Kettle Hat/BRIMMED HAT

13th Century Kettle Hat/BRIMMED HAT
A kettle hat is a type of helmet made of steel in the shape of a brimmed hat.
There are many design variations. The only common element is a wide brim that
afforded extra protection to the wearer. It gained its common English language
name from its resemblance to a metal cooking pot (the original meaning of kettle).
The kettle hat was common all over Medieval Europe.[citation needed] It was
called Eisenhut in German and chapeau de fer in French (both names mean “iron
hat” in English). It was worn by troops of all types, but most commonly by infantry.
The wide brim gave good protection against blows from above, such as from
cavalry swords, and was very useful in siege warfare as the wide brim would
protect the wearer from projectiles shot or dropped from above. These hats,
although cheap, were not admired because they were considered only suitable for
infantry and did not have the high grace or extravagance of a knightly helm like
the bascinet or great helm. However, those who did use it proved that it was
something worthwhile. In many films, English men-at-arms and foot soldiers are
often seen wearing these helms. An extra benefit was that the rim protected from
direct sunlight, preventing getting dazzled. The kettle hat would continue to be
used by armies throughout Medieval Europe until the eventual adoption of helmets
such as the cabasset, and morion during the Renaissance period