Helmets are considered as one of the most universal forms of armor.
They offer a defensive covering for the head, protecting both head and
face and sometimes even the neck from the cutting blows of weapons. The
Italian helmets were often cast, riveted bronze helmets. Often worn by
light infantry people, sometimes under animal skin, the helmets became
very popular among the native Italians. The helmets usually had sharply angled sides and brim that deflected blows and increased the strength and rigidity of the helm itself. A real Italian military issue "steel pot" from the WWII era was made of silver-plated copper, with central comb formed as a winged monster, the helmets were decorated with classical battle scenes on the sides and fitted with domed rivets at the borders. These helmets were often decorated with elaborate engraved, embossed or perforated designs. Today the use of Italian helmets has been confined to as a historic and highly collectible decorative showpiece.
