The capeline helmet, derived from Ottoman Turkish helmets, was worn by medieval archers and post-Renaissance musketeers. The lobster tail pot, a type of capeline, was used by Oliver Cromwell’s Calvary and the London Locusts during the English Civil War. Capelines have also been worn under wide-brimmed hats and some women’s hats are referred to as capes.
Derived from the French word for hat, the capeline or capeline helmet is a type of cap or helmet worn by medieval archers as a device to protect their heads. This steel helmet was first known, and is still often known as a secret. The capeline can trace its origins to the helmets worn in the Ottoman Turkish Empire, which covered three continents in the early 16th century. While these appear to be the helmet’s clearest roots, it was largely adapted and reached the height of its popularity nearly a century later.
The capeline was chosen by post-Renaissance musketeers in the 17th century as a moderate type of helmet. This capeline hat was considered fashionable. In addition, it offered the user a level of protection for his head.
The best known cape is the one worn by the cavalry during the English Civil War. This capelina is commonly known as the lobster tail pot. The reason for the name is that this specific helmet had a lobster-like tail that protruded from the back of the hat for the purpose of protecting the back of the neck. It had much longer cheekbones, as well as a protruding beak. These capelins were known to be very effective in the field as a protective device.
Capelins – fairytale lobster pots – were worn by both Oliver Cromwell’s Calvary and the London Locusts, the cavalry unit under Sir Arthur Haselrig, a prominent leader of Parliament during the English Civil War. Sir Haselrig’s men were not only equipped with the cloak, but also with a nearly complete set of traditional armor.
In shape, the cape is similar to that of a loosely shaped circle with a substantial bulge in the middle. It lowers comfortably and fits comfortably over the ears of the users. Over the centuries, caplinas have also been worn under wide-brimmed hats offering a measure of protection. These were of a much thinner and more malleable variety than those used by medieval archers.
In modern times, some women’s hats may be referred to as capes. Like the helmet from which they get their name, the center portion of these hats fits snugly around the wearer’s head, much like a cap. In this version, however, a wide brim often extends evenly around the center cap, shading the wearer’s face and neck.
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