View source for Bascinet

The '''bascinet''' also '''basinet''' is a type of [[helmet]] that is rounded or has a pointed [[skull]]. It was open faced but could have a [[visor]]. It also would have a [[aventail|camail]]. The smaller forms of the bascinet could be worn under a [[great helm]], in which case a visor was not worn with the bascinet.

==Development==
An early form of bascinet called the ''[[cervelliere]]'' existed in the mid [[13th century]]. This type of [[helmet]] was also contemporarily refered to as a bascinet. 

The true bascinet developed in the [[14th century]] and by 1330 had replaced the [[cervelliere]].

There were orginally three types:
* deep (often to the base of the neck), conical [[skull]] with arched opening the face and often a [[visor]]
* small just below the ears and very rounded
* tall conical form reaching the tops of the ears

After 1450 one form had taken the fore. This was a conical [[skull]] of medium height, covering the ears and nape of the neck.

Towards the end of the century saw the bascinet cover the base of the neck as well and the apex of the skull moves backward further so that the back of the helmet has an almost straight profile and the front has a smooth curve.

By the end of the [[14th century]] the base of the [[helmet]] extended further downwards and this lessoned the need for the [[camail]].

==Bascinet Visors==
The [[visor]]s of bascinets began as pointed affairs and the [[Germany|Germans]] developed a more globular form known as the [[klappvisier]] which featured slot like [[sight]]s and pierced [[breaths]]. This developed into the pointed snout or [[hounskull]] (''dog headed'') type which also made a new type of pivot with a removable pin.


[[category:armour]]
[[category:helmets]]
[[category:14th century]]