Helmet of Robert the Bruce, Medieval Bascinet with Aventail, 1.6mm Steel

Helmet of Robert the Bruce, Medieval Bascinet with Aventail, 1.6mm Steel

The bascinet came up in the early 14th century. It evolved from the so-called cervelliereor secret helmet (a simple skull cap) and remained a popular helmet well into the 15th century throughout Central Europe.

The late medieval bascinet we offer here is based on the helmet seen on the famous bronze statue of Robert I of Scotland (1274-1329) at Bannockburn. In 1314, after years of campaign against the English crown, King Robert (commonly known as Robert the Bruce) defeated the army of Edward II of England at the Battle of Bannockburn, a decisive battle which ultimately led to the re-establishment of Scottish independence. Just like the legendary William Wallace, Robert the Bruce remains one of Scotland's most celebrated historical figures to this day.

This early 14th century bascinet is crafted from 1.6mm (16 gauge) steel and adorned with a beautifully detailed, riveted-on brass crown. It features a shoulder-length chainmail aventail or camail that protects the neck and throat. The 4 in 1 mail weave is composed of 1.6mm thick, butted steel rings with an inner diameter of approx. 9mm. The detachable aventail is sturdily stitched to a pierced, approx. 4cm wide leather band which is fitted around the lower edge of the bowl and laced onto a series of brass vervelles (small protruding anchoring points or rivets with holes) with a thin leather cord. The chainmail can thus be removed or placed back at will.

The blackened interior is fitted with a thin suspension liner made of leather. The 3mm thick brown leather chin strap is adjustable and closes with an antiqued brass buckle.

Specifications:

• Material: 1.6mm steel, leather inlay, leather chin strap with brass buckle
• Chainmail aventail: butted round steel rings, ID 9mm
• Suitable for head circumference up to approx. 69cm
• Long distance (back to front): approx. 23cm
• Short distance (ear to ear): approx. 21cm
• Height (without aventail): approx. 25cm
• Length of aventail (fully stretched): approx. 30cm
• Weight (with aventail) approx. 4.35 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece. As this medieval helmet is designed to fit closely, you might need to bend it open slightly at cheek level to adjust to your head.