Heaulm, Helm, Great Helm

A fully enclosed defense for the head developed during the 12th century. Known also as the "barrel" or "pot" helmet (modern terms), the heaulm was generally made from several smaller sheets of steel , completely covering the face. From manuscript accounts it appears that they were often painted in the colors of the knight, and might also have been washed in gold or adorned with brass, bronze or latten decor, generally in the form of a cross under the occularia and down the front of the face.