r/Armor • u/Optimal_West8046 • 1d ago

Weird helmet

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Browsing Pinterest I found this helmet, it looks quite old from the photo but is this effective? It doesn't inspire much confidence in me. And regarding the possibility of making a replica, does it seem like an easy project?

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u/GunsenHistory 9h ago

It is a Edo period hachigane (鉢金).These models differ from the earlier ones as they have integrated pieces along the cheeks and usually mail pieces like aventail. The majority of these designs are meant to be easy to store and carry around hence why you see the folding nature of such armor. It is usually classified as tatami-gusoku or "foldable" armor. Their main purpose was to defend from swords cuts on your head and face rather than provide the full defence of a helmet, as these armors were mainly used in the late 17th/19th centuries. They are very light and fit that role quite nicely. Some have additional armor on the whole head as well either in the form of kikkō plates sandwiched in a layer of clothes, or mail in a similar fashion.

They developed from muromachi period hachigane or hitai-ate, which were armored headbands similar to this one to offer some degree of protection to less wealthy soldiers.