Early 14th Century Great Bascinet – 14 Gauge Steel

This Great Bascinet captures the transitional moment when the classic barrel-style great helm gave way to a more protective, more mobile fighting helmet. The skull is shaped with smooth, rounded surfaces to help deflect blows, while the pierced visor provides ample breathability and visibility. Raise the visor when marching or giving commands, then lock it back down with the integrated push-button spring catches when it’s time to form up.

Inside, the helmet is blackened to resist corrosion and finished with an adjustable leather suspension liner for fit and comfort. A leather chin strap with a brass buckle keeps the helm secure in the melee or on horseback.

By the early 1300s, European men-at-arms began replacing flat-topped great helms with more curved skulls and hinged visors—an approach that better deflected incoming strikes rather than absorbing them. The larger, visor-equipped form came to be known as the Great Bascinet. Despite its imposing face, the bascinet’s lineage traces back to protective conical skull caps rather than the great helm itself, and it saw widespread use across Europe through the 14th and into the mid-15th century.

Key Features

• Robust Construction: Riveted 14-gauge mild steel for period-appropriate durability.
• Lift-Up Visor: Raises smoothly and locks in the up or down position with steel push-button springs.
• Protective Geometry: Rounded skull and swept lines designed to help deflect blows.
• Ready to Wear: Blackened interior with adjustable leather suspension liner for fit.
• Secure Fitment: Leather chin strap with brass buckle.
• Historical Look: Crusader-era styling appropriate for 14th-century impressions.

Specifications

Type	Bascinet (Great Bascinet form)
Era	Early 14th Century
Material	Mild Steel
Thickness	14 Gauge
Weight	10 lb 9.4 oz (approx. 10.59 lb)
Interior	Blackened; adjustable leather suspension liner
Retention	Leather chin strap with brass buckle
Visor	Hinged; locks up or down via steel push-button springs
Culture	Crusader / European
Manufacturer	Lord of Battles

Approximate Measurements:
Front-to-back (inside): 9 in
Side-to-side (inside): 7 in
Inner circumference: 26 1/2 in

Whether you’re building a 14th-century kit, outfitting a display, or adding a centerpiece to your collection, this Great Bascinet delivers the correct period silhouette, rugged 14-gauge construction, and practical wearability. It’s a standout choice for reenactment, living history, and medieval enthusiasts who want authentic style with dependable build quality.

Stand Sold Separately