1812) A RARE VIKING PERIOD BANNED HELMET CIRCA 900: If you collect early swords, this would be an ideal addition to your collection. It’s an exceptional conversation piece that is very reasonably priced for a quick sale!
Introduction: This helmet is the real deal. Let me be very blunt. Almost all the helmets similar to this for sale on the internet are well-made reproductions. This is a unique opportunity to own a treasure from the early Medieval period that was buried underground like a time capsule.
Description: Constructed of four plates riveted directly to each other that encompass the entire helmet. This helmet variant was popular from the 700s to the 1100s and was more expensive and difficult to make than the so-called Spangenhelm construction, which is formed of smaller quadrant-shaped (four-sided) plates riveted within a framework of bands. For a similar example, please see page 55 in my book.
Discussion: The banned helmet is also referred to as the Norman helmet from its use in the Bayeux Tapestry. The Norman helmet was the military defensive helmet in vogue during most of the high Middle Ages. The earliest variant Norman helmet was known as the Spangenhelm (German/Victorian term), was found in the Mesopotamian region and dated to the 4th Century. Unlike the high Middle Ages’ counterpart, this earlier version was used by Asiate tribes crossing to Western Europe and contained cheek pieces. As the most popular type of Norman helmet, the term Spangenhelm became the generic term for Norman helmets with or without a nasal. The banned helmet was extremely popular in Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine, etc.) up to the 1200s.
The Norman helmet was in use from the 6th to the 13th centuries. It’s a slightly pointed helmet with or without a nasal ridge (nose defense). Some Norman helmets incorporated mail protection to the neck or a partial or full face plate. A mail coif was commonly used.
Condition: This is a prominent example. It’s in superb condition with only modest conservation/restoration. I have put a magnet to it and it appears to have very little resin. Considering it was underground for hundreds of years and suffered a cremation, it’s amazing it is still with us today after all these years.
Approximate dimensions: Height….7.5 inches. Diameter at the base…. 8.25 inches at its widest.
Provenance: A German collection.
Conclusion: This is an item of great interest to any collector who wants to add a great example of a Viking-period helmet to their collection. It’s also an exceptional conversation piece that is very reasonably priced for a quick sale at under $3.8K!!! You will not regret owning this time capsule into the Viking era.*