Flat top helmets

The Flat Top, Pot Helmet or Bucket Helmet was developed in the early 13th century and remained in use until the early 14th century.
In  12th century the lance became longer and havier and stirups where used now all over Europe which made it possible to aim properly. This made it necessaryto protect the head with more than a nasal. First steps towards the development of the Flat Top Helmet were the broadening of the nasal and finally its replacement by a face plate. ( A face plate in contrast to a visor is not movable)

Face Plate Helmet, end of 12th century The face plate already covers a large part of the front of the face, neck and nape as well as the sides remain unprotected. The skull is still of typical Spangenhelm design. Link to product.
Topfhelm Anfang 13. Jhd This type has already a more body shaped face plate which reaches almost to the ears. Most important change is the skull which as a cylinder shape now and the reenforcement band across the face. This type of helmet is the first one to show all the features of a Bucket Helmet. Link to product.
Topfhelm um 1230 A few years later the eye slit was reenfoprced. Ears and nape are completely covered only the sides of the neck are still unprotected by the helmet. Link to product.
Topfhelm aus der Maciejowski Bibel um 1250 The neck is completely covered only a small part between neck and shoulder remained open. Link to product.
Great Helm um 1300 The peak of Bucket Helm, Flat Top Helmet, Pot Helmet (you name it!) development. Our replica of the Pembroke Helm shows some of the latest improvements before this type disaperead from the battlefield and was replaced by the Bascinet. The helmet rests on the shoulders and the face plate is extended downwards to cover even a small part of the chest. Also the skull was changed from a cylinder to a cone. Link to product.