The Armour Archive

Hi,

I've seen examples of fabric covered helmets from the 15th/early 16th centuries. Anybody aware of the practice continuing into the later 16th-17th centuries? Any ideas on the kinds of fabric used?

Foxe wrote:Hi,

I've seen examples of fabric covered helmets from the 15th/early 16th centuries. Anybody aware of the practice continuing into the later 16th-17th centuries? Any ideas on the kinds of fabric used?

There are several mid to late 16th century burgonets extant, which are covered in velvet, and have brigandine nails used for decoration and to keep the fabric down on the hat. Most extant velvet covered barbutes actually got their last covering in the 17th or 18th century (used for parades in Italy and France), and the metalwork edging holding the velvet in place is later than the hats date of manufacture.

It wasn't a common thing in the later 16th through 17th centuries, usually reserved for high ranking officers gear (for parade), apparently special units of bodyguards, and the like, which seemed to be popular at the time (witness the various German electors matching kits for infantry bodyguards, with scenes from mythology engraved, and matching arms).