Helmet

Description

At the end of the C 14 a new form of helmet emerged and was in widespread use in the C15: in German it was called the 'Schaller', as its shell fitted tightly around the head. Forged in one piece, this 'Schaller' is embellished with 16 brass nail rivets. The visor has a narrow slot for vision, the lower edge of which projects slightly, so that a thrust cannot enter the eye. The front has a reinforcement, the point of which leads into the strong central ridge of the helmet. The projecting cowl at the back of the neck, giving the wearer great freedom of movement, is characteristic of the 'Schaller'. The attachable bib joined to the front of the armour and protecting the chin is missing. The shape of the helmet and the mark indicate a North Italian origin; it may have come from the workshop of the Missaglia family in Milan. The helmet was not part of the original holding of the Basle armoury, but was acquired by the Museum in 1874 from a private owner in Lucerne. The smooth, closed profile, the lustrous surface and the hemispherical rivet heads of contrasting colour endow the helmet with a special elegance.