What type of helm should I look for as a 14th century English fighter or 12ty century Norman for heavy fighting?
Anonymous
I had to reach out to some martial types for this answer.
Master Sir Edwin AtteBridge says, “Twelfth century, the famous “norman” conical helm with nasal that we’re all officially wearing in the SCA. 14th century generally bascinet, although kettle hat is also appropriate (but less popular because of SCA handicaps). Inbetween, slowly-evovling “barrel” or “bucket” helms. Basically they took the norman design, started adding a faceplate and covering more of the head, simplifying the construction while they were at it, and when they were done realized that the pointed top they had started with was a better design and went back to an improved version of it. The 13th century is full of dead ends like that.”
“Spotlight: The 14th Century Bascinet” by Alexi Goranov MyArmory.com: [link]
Wikipedia entry: [link] – be sure to look at the Notes and External Links
Image from the Wallace Collection: [link]Visored bascinet Unknown Artist / Maker Milan, Italyc. 1390 – c. 1410 Low-carbon steel, air-cooled, copper alloy and leather Height: 26 cm Width: 37.4 cm, beak to back of skull Weight: 2.005 kg, without visor Weight: 0.82 kg, visor Weight: 1.24 kg, aventail Label: Royal Archaeological Society label marked 25 in ink A69European Armoury I