HELMETS IN HERALDRY

The HELMET, helme, casque, or morion, varied in shape in different ages and countries. The most ancient form is the simplest, composed of iron, of a shape fitted to the head, and flat upon the top, with an aperture for the light. This is styled the Norman Helmet, and appears on very old seals, attached to the Gorget, a separate piece of armour which covered the neck. In the twelfth century, a change was made to mark the rank of the individual bearer.
Each of these Helmets is placed immediately above the escutcheon, and supports the wreath on which is the crest.

helm_kings.gif (1466 bytes)

The Helmet assigned to Kings and Princes of the Blood Royal, is full-faced, composed of gold, with the beauvoir divided by six projecting bars, and lined with crimson.

helm_nobility.gif (1326 bytes)

The Helmet of the Nobility is of steel, with five bars of gold: it is placed on the shield inclining to a profile.

helm_baronets.gif (1362 bytes)

The Helmet of Knights and Baronets, is the full-faced steel helmet, with the visor thrown back, and without bars.

helm_esquires.gif (1407 bytes)

The Helmet of Esquires, always depicted in profile, is of steel, with the visor closed.

The are more types of helms, such as:

Ancient.gif (5500 bytes)

Champion.gif (5434 bytes)

Chevalier.gif (5071 bytes)

Confronter.gif (12556 bytes)

Courtier.gif (7025 bytes)

Crusader.gif (5668 bytes)

Ennobled.gif (8298 bytes)

Knightly.gif (7404 bytes) Peer.gif (6866 bytes)
Plumed.gif (8892 bytes)

Protector.gif (8162 bytes)

Traditional.gif (11590 bytes)

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