Gjermundbu Viking Helmet – Spectacle Helmet Reconstruction (Battle Ready)

We proudly present a historically inspired reconstruction of the Gjermundbu Viking helmet — the only nearly complete Viking Age helmet ever discovered.

The original helmet was found in 1943 in a rich burial mound at the Gjermundbu farm in Ringerike, Norway, dated to the second half of the 10th century. The grave contained a full warrior equipment set including chainmail, sword, spears, axes, shields and horse riding gear, indicating that the buried individual was a warrior of very high status.

Unlike many fragmentary helmet finds from the Viking Age, the Gjermundbu discovery preserved enough elements to allow a reliable reconstruction of its original form.

This helmet is widely considered the best archaeological reference for Viking spectacle helmets.

This is not fantasy.
This is experimental archaeology.

Historical Construction

The original helmet was constructed from multiple iron plates and bands riveted together, forming a segmented dome typical of early medieval helmet construction.

Research suggests that the helmet consisted of approximately 14 structural elements joined by more than 30 rivets, forming a surprisingly complex but efficient protective structure.

The most distinctive feature of the helmet is the spectacle mask, a forged eye and nose guard protecting the most vulnerable parts of the face.

The mask was constructed in two overlapping pieces forge-welded together at the temples and nose, creating the iconic “spectacle” shape that defines Viking Age helmets.

The helmet originally likely featured:

• a brow band
• four dome plates
• reinforcing bands
• spectacle eye guard
• attachment holes for a mail aventail

Our reconstruction follows these structural principles while adapting the helmet for modern reenactment durability.

All elements are hand-crafted according to early medieval metalworking logic.

Every detail matters.

Both versions follow early medieval construction logic and are suitable for high-end reenactment and collector display.

Specifications

Type: Viking spectacle helmet (Gjermundbu type)
Construction: Segmented dome with spectacle mask
Spectacle mask thickness: 2.5 mm
Helmet cap thickness: 2 mm
Weight: approx. 2100 g
Battle ready (huscarl / western combat style)
Handmade in Poland

This helmet is suitable for:

• Historical reenactment
• Viking Age combat
• Huscarl portrayal
• Living history
• High-end collectors

Made to Order

This helmet is made on demand.

Estimated production time: 60 days

Production begins after payment confirmation.

As a made-to-order item, this helmet is produced specifically for the customer.

Proper Fit – Required Head Measurements

To ensure a perfect fit, we require the following measurements: A, a, b, and c.

IMPORTANT:
If you plan to wear an arming cap (which is strongly recommended), you must wear it during all measurements.

The helmet will be made according to the measurements you provide. Measuring without padding may result in a helmet that is too tight once the arming cap is worn.

Please measure carefully using a flexible measuring tape.
The tape should rest comfortably against the head — do not tighten it.

A – Head Circumference

Measure around the widest part of your head:

• Just above the eyebrows
• Over the ears
• Around the most prominent part of the back of the head

Keep the tape level and snug, but not tight.

Record in centimeters.

a – Transverse Diameter (Side-to-Side Width)

Measure the maximum width of your head:

• From one side above the ear to the other
• Keep the tape horizontal

b – Vertical Height

Measure from:

• The top center of your head
• Down to the circumference line (A measurement level)

Keep the measuring tape straight and vertical.

c – Vertical Height (Eye Line to Crown)

Measure from the eye line (the level where the spectacle mask will sit, just above the eyes) vertically to the highest point of your head.

The measuring tape must be held in a straight vertical line — do not follow the curve of the skull.

⚠ Important: Wear your arming cap during this measurement.

Record the measurement in centimeters.

Important

Do not forget to purchase:

• Arming cap
• Aventail (mail curtain)

Proper padding is essential for both comfort and safety.

If You Are Looking for Authenticity

If you are looking for a historically grounded Viking Age helmet based on the most complete archaeological find from the Viking world — you are in the right place.

Dead People Style — where history is forged in steel.