Helmet

Helmets: A Protective Shield for the Mind and Body

Imagine a world without helmets. Would we still be able to protect our heads from injury? The word ‘helmet’ comes from Old English, meaning a protective head covering. It’s fascinating how something so simple can have such profound implications in safeguarding us.

The Evolution of Helmets

From the humble beginnings of straw and leather to the advanced materials used today, helmets have come a long way. Think about it: if you were a knight in shining armor, would you be wearing a ceremonial helmet or one designed for battle? Ceremonial helmets without protection are sometimes worn, but they serve more as symbols than actual protective gear.

Modern Helmets and Their Uses

Most modern helmets are made from resin or plastic reinforced with fibers like aramids. These materials offer lightweight yet durable protection. Whether you’re a soldier in combat, an athlete on the field, or just riding your bicycle, these helmets can make all the difference.

The Diversity of Helmets

Designs of helmets have varied over time, from straw and leather to metal military helmets like the Brodie and Stahlhelm. Modern helmets incorporate plastics and synthetic materials for light weight and shock absorption. Synthetic fibers used in modern helmets include aramid fibers like Kevlar and Twaron.

Historical Helmets

From Corinthian to the great helm, bascinet, frog-mouth helm, and armet, these historical helmets were not just protective gear but also symbols of status. Ceremonial and military helmets were developed during the Middle Ages, with designs that would have been impractical in battle.

The 20th Century: A Golden Age for Helmets

In the 19th century, more materials like leather, felt, and pith were incorporated into helmet design. The greatest expansion in the variety of forms and composition of helmets took place in the 20th century, with the development of highly specialized helmets for a multitude of athletic and professional applications.

Notable Helmets

During World War I, the French army developed the Adrian helmet, the British developed the Brodie helmet, and the Germans produced the Stahlhelm. The development of hard hats for workplace safety may have been inspired by these helmets from WWI, and they have become a standard type of safety equipment on many construction job sites and industrial locations.

Modern Specialized Helmets

Flight helmets were also developed throughout the 20th century. A multitude of athletic helmets, including football helmets, batting helmets, hockey helmets, cricket helmets, bicycle helmets, ski helmets, motorcycle helmets, and racing helmets, were also developed in this period.

The Future of Helmets

Helmets since the mid-20th century have often incorporated lightweight plastics and other synthetic materials. Some important recent developments include the French SPECTRA helmet, Spanish MARTE helmet or the American PASGT (commonly called ‘Kevlar’ by U.S. troops) and Advanced Combat Helmet.

Heraldic Helmets

As the coat of arms was originally designed to distinguish noble combatants on the battlefield or in a tournament, heraldic elements constantly incorporated the shield and the helmet. The practice of indicating peerage through the display of barred or grilled helmets first appeared around 1587-1615.

Heraldic Conventions for Displaying Helmets of Rank

Sovereign: a gold barred-face (tournament) helm placed affronté
Peer’s helmet: silver barred-face (tournament) helm placed in profile
Knight’s or baronet’s helmet: steel helm (earlier jousting helm, later close helm) placed affronté with visor open
Esquire’s helmet: steel helm placed in profile with visor closed

From ancient times to the present day, helmets have evolved significantly. They are more than just protective gear; they are symbols of status and safety in various contexts. As we continue to innovate, one thing remains clear: the helmet is a vital piece of equipment that keeps us safe and secure.