Posts: 35 Location: Germany
Thu 23 May, 2013 6:11 am
@ Brian
Well, as far as I know, they are quite fashionable for the time. Oval/rounded shapes and gothic arch elements (like in architecture) are very distinct for the period. But of course the protectional qualities of the helmets are the most important factor. The pointed visor provides a steeper surface for arrows or thrusts to glance off. It is more durable then a flat piece of metal as you can see with the development of
great helms as well. After all. there is the same tendency with the skull piece as it draws backwards more and more and gets pointier over time. The houdskull visor also allowed more breathing holes to be driven into the facepiece for better ventilation. So you see, there are only some very obvious examples of the success of this type of helmet. As I am short on time now, you can launch a new thread or go to the
bascinet feature for more inforation.
@ Thomas
In short terms you are right, in long terms, I would only go with better vision if we look at the great helms who had no visor which could be raised in combat. Sight could be very limited in visored bascinets as well because the eye-slits were mostly very narrow due to better protection. In contrast to more flatly shaped visors, they do not provide any better vision in general. You can argue that there is better sight through the breathing holes as well but they were primarily for breathing technical purposes of course.