I've slowly been trying to put together an impression of a late 14th century knight and I'm having a lot of trouble finding a quality houndskull bascinet reproduction. I'm trying to find one that is close to historical dimensions. An overwhelming majority of the ones I find out there though, are of bizarre proportions or seem to be designed for people with giant heads (and hey, they need protection too :) ) But alas, I have neither a giant head, or a desire for a clearly incorrect looking bascinet. I've seen lots of the folks in WMA and AEMMA groups have great looking ones, so I know they're out there somewhere.

Now, at the high end of the spectrum, there is of course this beautiful reproduction by Jeff Hedgecock, and I'm totally in love with this helmet, but it's definitely at the higher end of my price range:
http://historicenterprises.com/bascinet-after...th=101_137

Of all the mid-rangy priced bascinets, I've found this one, and I was wondering if the more knowledgeable folks could comment on the historical accuracy of it's shape:
http://armstreet.com/store/armor/medieval-hea...-sca-14-ga

That one comes with aventail installed, which is a nice plus. I realize the mail itself is not flattened ring, wedge-riveted, but that is something I could change over time. Armstreet also has an ebay store with quite a bit of positive feedback, which is nice to see. In my research I've found lots of armorer's with problems in the communication and delivery departments, and I'm trying to avoid that headache.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Late 14th century, historical lines, houndksull bascinet is the end goal. Any help getting there would be wonderful!

-Ian

Yeah, the shape is fine, it just doesn't have enough verveilles.

What do you intend to use it for? Living History presentations, HEMA training, re-enactment fighting, baton combat? Is it in your price range? This is a very inexpensive helmet for the type. Make sure it is the right thickness and that the visor to skull fit is appropriate for your intended use.

I intend to use it for re-enactment purposes, but eventually HEMA training (i.e., I would prefer this investment not close me off to that possibility). I guess my mid-range price point would be somewhere in the neighborhood of $600 - $700 USD. I'm willing to go over or under as opportunity presents, but I'm just struggling to find anything at this point. Historical proportion is important to me, as is functionality.

http://www.fabri-armorum.com/english/

My group has three helmets from Jiri, all excellent, all well fitted, and all affordable. Communications can be difficult, but by no means impossible, and the turn around time is splendid, as well as the final product. Authenticity is high average or better (fabricated not raised, some small details like buckle types) but really very good set against what else is out there at the price point.

I have to give Albert Collins in Viaarmorari ( www.viaarmorari.com ) some good creds. His work is stunning. I have som pieces from him. I own a copy of the Lyle Bascinet (ratl iv 470 ) and it's hard to se the diferenc between my and the original... If I only was able to buy armour once this lifetime it would be by him.

I know many more that is happy with his works...

Hope this will give you some help.

The vast majority of surviving bacinets (I can't seem to help using the French spelling) have very large skulls with a lot of crush space in the top and are almost as wide as they are long. Most modern bacinets look microcephalic compared to the real ones, because the visor is out of proportion to the skull.

I have a Jeffrey Hedgecock barbute, and I let people try to hit it all the time. My own noggin is far more important ;)

Cole