The Armour Archive

Hi All,

Researching over the past 5 or so years into early origins of the sallet has had me wondering regarding the early origins of the bascinet itself - more specifically, about the introduction of movable visors to great helms of late form.

Late 13th and early 14th century armour is not my specialty, although I think I have a strong basic grasp of the developments. Do any of you have a more specialized knowledge you would be willing to share?

Some things I am specifically interested in follow - the depictions of helmets on Aymer de Valences tomb in Westminster abby - specifically there is what seems to be an early visored bascinet worn over a coif. Does anyone have details of the picture? All the ones I have seen are small, and don't show details of the visor, or even a clear depiction of it. Also, invariably I see reconstructions (good and bad) of William FitzRalph from his brass, that shows him with a visored sugarloaf great helm (and always identical). Is this helmet shown on his tomb anywhere?

I am familiar with the Flemish Alexander codex that has been posted here before. Are there any other sources like this not posted?

The Luttrell Psalter (c. 1345) shows a visored sugarloaf helmet.

Here's a link:
http://www.bl.uk/collections/treasures/luttrell/luttrell_broadband.htm

I LOVE that site!

Hi Michael,

Thanks for reminding me of that one - and shame on me for forgetting about it, as I have a couple of full colour pics of it in my collection!