Celtic Helmet Steel – ‘Port Bei Nidau’

Product information “Celtic ‘Port Bei Nidau’ Helmet, Steel”
Celtic “Port bei Nidau” Helmet, Steel

This Celtic / Gallic helmet was inspired by surviving examples of which the most prominent one may be the Port bei Nidau iron helm recovered in virtually intact condition from the river Thielle in Port (near Nidau, Switzerland) at the end of the 19th century. The original artefact, dated to the 1st c. BC, is classified as a late La Tène period helmet (also known as La Tène III or La Tène D).

The Port Type helm has its roots in Eastern Gaul. Typical features were the domed bowl, the protruding, riveted-on neck guard, the embossed eyebrows and the cheek pieces. Although this helmet is without a doubt of Celtic origin and was worn by the Gauls, it is believed to have been used in the Roman ranks during Caesar’s Gallic Wars (58-50 BC) as well. This particular shape was ultimately adopted by the Romans, eventually evolving into the so-called Imperial Gallic Weisenau, the classic Roman legionary helmet as we know it.

This reconstruction of a Gallic Port helmet with hinged cheek pieces is crafted from 1.2 mm (18 gauge) steel. The distinctive neck guard is fixed to the bowl with five round rivets. The interior is not lined, but delivery includes a padded cotton cap that makes the helmet fully wearable. Additionally, small rings are fitted on the inner side of the cheek plates for easy attachment of a chin strap.

Details:
– Material: 1.2 mm steel, 100% cotton cap
– Suitable for head circumference up to approx. 62 cm
– Long distance (back to front): approx. 21 cm
– Short distance (ear to ear): approx. 19 cm
– Height (without cheek pieces): approx. 13 cm
– Weight (helmet only): approx. 1 kg
– Weight with padded cap: approx. 1.1 kg