Pigface bassinet helmet

Under its pointed muzzle, the bascinet with visor hounskull hides a knight's trick. In the 14th and 15th centuries, most helmets show the breaths pierced on the right. In jousting, the lance is held on the right and strikes the opponent's left side; keeping the left cheek full limits splinters or spikes that could find a foothold. The conical muzzle promotes deflection and provides better ventilation. This model, nicknamed pig-faced bascinet in England, Hundsgugel in Germany and "bec de passereau" in French, reigned from around 1370 to 1430, before the appearance of the great bascinet and articulated gorgets. Several reference pieces confirm these technical choices and dates, from the collections of the Musée de l'Armée to the Royal Armouries.