Barbute Helm 14 Gauge
Make your own Medieval experience and complete your 15th century plate armour harness with this Italian barbute (or barbuta in Italian) forged from 14 gauge steel.
This barbute helmet is a reproduction of a 15th century helmet held by the Philadelphia Museum of Art (accession number: 1977-167-55) estimated to have been made in approximately 1450.
Another T shaped barbute is held in the Wallace collection (item A76) estimated to have been made in approximately 1455. Barbutes were produced in several different face designs including a T–shaped, Y shaped and arch shaped. Another variation on the T shape design but with a longer face can be seen on the Avant harness held by the Glasgow museum estimated to have been made by the Corio Workshop, Milan, Italy, between 1438 – 1440.
The design of the sallet was inspired by the rediscovery of ancient Corinthian and Macedonian hoplite armour designs during the renaissance. Originated in Italy during the early 15th century the sallet soon replaced the bascinet helmet in France, England, Germany and the Netherlands via trade with Italy. Unlike earlier bascinets the sallet had simplified design and was worn without a chainmail aventail or visor. To protect the face the sides of the helm extended forward to cover the cheeks and chin and the back curved to protect the back of the neck.
A bevor was sometimes worn in combination with the sallet to protect the lower face and neck but this provided limited protection to a thrust aimed between the plates. At the end of the 15th century to early 16th century the design of the sallet changed to cover the full face.
Open face sallets were often favoured by archers, crossbowmen and lightly armed auxiliary troops who benefited from the unobstructed vision
This helmet also has a leather lining suspension that can be adjusted to better fit the wearer. The interior of the helm is blackened to improve corrosion resistance.
Suitable for a 15th century persona at your next Medieval or Renaissance re-enactment, LARP, SCA or Living history event.
The helm has a circumference of 68cm which enables the wearer to also fit a suitable padded coif or cap.
Other 14th and 15th century armour also available.
