Product description
From around 1330 onward, some bascinets were equipped with a klappvisier (hinged visor). Helmets of this type had a visor with a hinge point located at the center of the helmet bowl. This style of helmet was particularly popular in the Holy Roman Empire and remained in use there even into the 15th century. Klappvisiers were found throughout Europe. In northern Italy, they are depicted in a Crucifixion scene in the chapter house of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, around 1367. Their use in Italy appears to have disappeared around 1380.
This helmet is a replica of a bascinet with a klappvisier from 1370. The klappvisier was one of the earliest types of visors to be attached to the bascinet. Later, the characteristic “houndskull” (or Hundsgugel) type was also developed. This bascinet offers the best of both worlds: it protects the head while still allowing the visor to be raised when orders are given. In the middle of battle, the face remains well protected by the klappvisier. The visor is fitted with a separate leather strap that can be fastened around the helmet for extra security.
The lower rim of this bascinet is fitted with vervelles to which an aventail, or camail, can be attached. Beneath the camail, a padded arming collar was often worn to prevent chafing and to provide additional protection against impacts.
