Our fully battle-ready reconstruction of a Crusader Helmet with Face Plate was worn by Crusaders during the 12th Century,  This Crusader Helmet with Face Plate consisting of a calotte with crossed clips, is extremely robust. The large, curved face-plate offers additional protection. The eye openings allow a relatively good field of vision.

By the mid-twelfth century facial protections were reintroduced to helmets. The idea was not a new one, as masks that protected the face had been in use well before the Viking Age, the Sutton Hoo helmet being perhaps the most famous example dating to c.600 CE. Helmets with face plates had been in use during roman times also.

This helmet type was in use from the mid 12th century to the 13th century. As the mask protected the face relatively well in a melee it was popular among infantry, although worn by horsemen too