The bearded helmet below was made by Filippo Negroli and was used as a parade helmet by Emperor Charles V, 1533. (I’ve been called a bearded helmet before).

Throughout the 15th Century weapons were getting better and better so armour had to be improved to keep up. It needed to get thicker to protect from cross bows and gun shots. The increase in metal thickness meant they had to breed their horses bigger to deal with the weight. During the 14—15th centuries armour seldom weighed more than 15 kg, but by the late 16th century it weighed 25 kg.

Filippo Negroli of Milan (1510-1579) was one of the finest armourers of his time. Working alongside his younger brother, his client base included Emperor Charles V. Here’s one of his baddest boys:

…and he made this next one for Dauphin Henry of France:

Armour was worn by generals and commanders right into the 18th century because at its thickest it could still protect the user from a bullet or two which meant that those in command could survey the battlefield without getting their head blown off.

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