15th century sallet, black, 1.6 mm

Product description

The sallet is based on a 15th-century original crafted in the German style. Sallets of this type appeared between 1450 and 1460 and were worn throughout Europe by both infantry and aristocracy. The visor is crafted in the late Gothic style, and the neck guard consists of several lames to permit greater freedom of movement.

The German sallet may have developed from a combination of influences from the Italian sallet and the German kettle hats with wide brims and visors that were employed in the first half of the 15th century. Sallets of this kind were mainly worn in combination with a bevor, but sometimes with a gorget or even without additional neck protection.

The sallet may be worn in five different ways, with or without a bevor:

1. Sallet worn halfway on the head – provides an optimal field of vision.

2. Sallet halfway on the head with bevor closed – offers an optimal field of vision with extra facial protection.

3. Sallet flat on the head with visor open – ensures maximum visibility and is well-suited to giving commands in battle.

4. Sallet flat on the head with visor open and bevor closed – provides slightly more visibility than with the visor closed.

5. Sallet flat on the head with visor closed – offers maximum protection for the head and face.

Sallets were often produced in large numbers during times of impending war. Some examples, like this one, were blackened to prevent rust. The maximum inner circumference is 68 cm (excluding the lining). The helmet features an inner lining and a chin strap. Should you wish to wear additional padded protection, measure your head circumference whilst wearing it. The padded lining already attached inside the helmet is usually sufficient. To create more space inside the helmet, the lining may be removed.