Miniature English Great Helm & Arming Sword Letter Opener

Drawing upon the outstanding quality and range of the Royal Armouries collections, we are proud to present this range of fine quality replicas. At each stage of the process, from the initial selection to the last details of the prototypes, the Museum’s experts on armour and edged weapons have been personally involved.

These replicas are impressive in both their look and feel, accurately capturing the dimensions, materials and processes of the originals with tremendous attention to detail. The Royal Armouries is delighted that enthusiasts will now be able to enjoy these objects ‘at first hand’.

This mini replica is based on one of only three surviving English great helms for war and one of the last generation of such helms, which ceased to be worn in battle after the 1350s. Another, the Black Prince’s helm preserved at Canterbury Cathedral, still has its papier-mâché crest in the form of a hat surmounted by a lion.

English, mid 14th century.

Includes stand

English medieval swords are rare and although the original sword’s find site is unknown, it is definitely of English origin because of its decoration. The copper alloy cross-guard is decorated with mythical creatures, probably including a gryphon and a wyvern. Importantly it also features ‘babewyns’, grotesque creatures without bodies but having heads with tiny legs coming from their necks. Similar ‘babewyns’ appear in contemporary English manuscript illustrations.