Knightly Bascinet with Klappvisor, 14th C., 1.6 mm Steel

Knightly Bascinet with Klappvisor, 14th C., 1.6 mm Steel

Detailed Description and Construction

This impressive helmet is handcrafted from 1.6 mm (16-gauge) mild steel with a polished finish. Its shape perfectly captures the typical appearance of 14th-century bascinets – a rounded skull that flows seamlessly into neck and face protection. The dominant feature is the hinged visor, known as a klappvisor, which is attached at a single pivot on the brow. This design allows for quick and easy lifting of the visor.

The visor itself features a wide ocular (eye-slit) and numerous ventilation holes to ensure sufficient airflow. For security in combat, it is equipped with a spring-pin locking mechanism on the right side to prevent it from opening unintentionally. Inside the helmet, you'll find a comfortable, securely attached padded liner and a sturdy leather chin strap with a solid brass buckle.

Combat Use and Recommendations

Thanks to its 1.6 mm thickness and robust construction, this helmet is fully functional and "battle-ready." It is ideal for:

• Historical Fencing and Reenactment Battles: Provides reliable protection for duels and group engagements.
• Knightly Tournaments: Command respect from your opponents with authentic and safe equipment.
• HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts): Suitable for training and sparring with various weapon types.
• Premium LARP Costume: For knight and man-at-arms characters who demand quality.

Important Notice: Although this helmet is described as "battle-ready" for historical fencing purposes, it is not certified as modern protective equipment. For extreme, full-contact sports like HMB (buhurt), different standards and greater material thickness (2 mm or more) may be required.

Size and Dimensions Chart

A Glimpse into History

Directly from Manuscripts and Frescoes

This helmet is not a fantasy piece but an interpretation of specific historical exemplars. Its design draws inspiration from several surviving works of art, lending it exceptional authenticity. The main sources include a painting by Spinello Aretino (c. 1407-1408), the fresco in the Affresco camera Pinta in Spoleto, Italy, and illuminations in the "La prima deca" manuscript by Tito Livio, created around 1373 and now housed in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan.

Fun Fact: The Evolution of the Bascinet

Did you know that the bascinet evolved from a small, simple helmet originally worn under the great helm? During the 14th century, as the cumbersome great helms fell out of use, the bascinet began to grow larger, extend down the back of the neck, and be fitted with various types of visors. It thus became the primary head protection for knights and defined the look of the warrior for the next hundred years.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain the beauty and functionality of your helmet, follow these steps:

1. The helmet is shipped from the manufacturer with a protective layer of oil to prevent corrosion. Simply wipe it off with a dry cloth after unpacking.
2. Keep the helmet in a dry environment to prevent rust. Always dry it thoroughly after use in damp conditions.
3. Regularly treat the exterior surface with a thin layer of preservation oil (e.g., Ballistol, WD-40).
4. Treat the leather chin strap with a leather conditioner to keep it supple. Always allow the cloth liner to air out properly after use.