Bascinet

The Bascinet first appeared in the early 14th century and was in various developments in use until the beginning of the 15th century. Most probably the family of bascinet helmets developed from the Secret which was worn as an additional protection under the Great Helm. Originally this helmet was worn on top of a chainmail coif until the Secret became larger and the coif was replaced by an avantail attached to the rim. The sides of the bascinet became longer and longer until it finally covered the head and sections of the neck. As a face protection a movable nasal with attached chainmail was used in the beginning. Later varieties had cheek plates far reaching in front of the face. At the end of the 14th century various forms of visors appeared amongst the most famous one was the Houndskull. In the 15th century the bascinets reached the peak of their development as the Grand Bascinet in its various forms until it finally developed into the Sallet.