T-Face Barbute DeBovis

This Barbute is made after the original from about 1470. The probable maker was the DeBovis family. The face of this one piece helmet is marked by the T-shaped opening to allow a good combination of vision and protection. The defining characteristic of the barbute is the fact that the shape of the helmet extends all the way down to cover both sides of the face. The extended sides protect the neck and jaw. Regardless of the type of opening - which could be T-shaped, Y-shaped or arch-shaped, this characteristic is practically always present. This made the wearing of a gorget optional. In place of a plate gorget the barbute would have often been worn with a stiffened mail collar, termed a "standard," which protected the throat and neck. More information...