I was watching the recent film adaptation recently, and was struck (as I have been every time) by Peter's helmet in the big battle scene. Finally it's been enough that I poked around the forums here and at SFI in the hopes of finding someone else who'd already asked - is there any historical basis for it? It looks like a fairly grounded design, at least to me, aside from perhaps the "toes" at the top and bottom of the visor, but I've not seen anything quite like it anywhere. I ought to write it off as pure fantasy, no doubt, but it's got such appealing, even practical-looking lines.

Here are a few screenshots I found elsewhere:

http://costumes.narniaweb.com/pevensiesfiles/peterhelmet2.jpg - Visor closed, from the front.

http://costumes.narniaweb.com/pevensiesfiles/peterhelmet3.jpg - Side view, visor up.

http://costumes.narniaweb.com/pevensiesfiles/peterhelmet.jpg - A shot of what may be the original prop, from above.

I too would like to know if that helm bears a resemblance to any historical specimen, as I've always admired the look of it in the movie.

It's basically a visored sallet, not uncommon in the late 15th century, although fitted with a visor which is most probably pure fantasy. This is not to say that it could not be copied from a historical piece, just that I have never seen one shaped like this.

Personally, the appearance is not to my taste but yes, it does appear to be quite practical. Perhaps the addition of a bevor would have been worthwhile though.

Well it was obviously inspired by a sallet minus the bevor. It has fantasy elements, and is not completely historical.
[ Linked Image ]

EDIT: D.Austin beat me too it :lol:

The design does look pretty good to me aesthetically but I wonder about the curving ocular, seen from above, just making for a bigger opening vulnerable to a downward thrust without really improving forward vision when seen from the front ?

No comment about it being historically correct except that I've never seen one like it ! Lets say a possible design but unsupported by any evidence.

Now, since this is a design for a fantasy movie based on a book I sort of prefer discussing it mostly on looks and function.