Armor Type:  Helmet

Brief Description:  The medieval kettle hat (or chapel-de-fer in French and Eisenhut in German) was a versatile, iron or steel combat helmet featuring a deep rounded skull and a wide, downward-sloping brim. Named for its resemblance to a cooking pot, it provided infantrymen with excellent overhead protection, unhindered breathing, and superior battlefield visibility.

Key Features and Design:

The Brim: The wide, extended brim was designed to deflect arrows, rocks, and downward sword strikes aimed at the wearer's face and shoulders. It also effectively shielded the eyes from the sun.

Open Face: Unlike closed helmets like great helms or bascinets, the open-face design of the kettle hat allowed for clear peripheral vision and didn't obstruct shouting orders or breathing during heavy combat.

Construction: Early models from the 12th century were built using multiple plates riveted together over an iron framework. Later metallurgy and improved metalworking allowed armorers to mass-produce the helmets from a single piece of steel, making them affordable and highly accessible.

Wearability: Because it was an open helmet, it was typically worn over a padded fabric cap or a mail coif (hood) to protect the neck and cheeks. It was secured with a leather chin strap.