Armor Type:  Helmet

Brief Description:  The close helm was a fully enclosing European knightly helmet developed around 1500 from the armet and sallet. Designed for mounted field use, it completely protected the head and neck. It differed from the armet by using a vertically rotating bevor and visor attached to the same side pivots, rather than opening sideways.

The close helm features a two-part articulated face defense—the visor (protecting the eyes and allowing ventilation) and the bevor (protecting the chin and throat). Both rotate on a single pivot point on either side of the skull, allowing the knight to easily open the front of the helmet. The helmet rests securely on the gorget or collar lames, which are often integrated directly into the armor to protect the throat while allowing head movement.

Different regions developed distinct visor styles, such as the German "bellows" or "monkey face" (for better ventilation), and the distinctive English "sparrow’s beak" (or ship’s prow). They also often featured pierced breathing holes and a steel pin/hook mechanism to lock the lower visor and bevor in place.