The burgonet and other medieval helmets

The Burgonet & Additional Medieval Helmet Types

The Burgonet was the most commonly worn helmet throughout the latter 16th and 17th centuries. In its clear-cut style, it was sported by the light cavalry and foot. The screened Burgoney was composed of a usually rounded cap with a prominent brim that protected the eyes, earpieces and a neck-guard. It practically always comprised of a comb or crestDifferent types of infantry head-gear that were considered the most fashionable were the 16th century’s Cabasset and Morion. The Morion helmet was a lightweight, circle-shaped piece. The key features of this helmet are an erect comb going alongside the front and back end of the crown, a brim, and the lack of visors for the ears, neck and face. Creased firmly upwards at both sides, the brim was usually worn at a backward angle so as to shield the neck. The Morion and Cabasset, which was a head piece shaped like a pear without a comb and having a flatter brim, were the most commonly worn infantry helmets throughout the 16th and initial 17th centuries. There were times when it was dawned without any other body armor. Both of these helmets were tinier and not so heavy as the Burgonet; in fact, a lot of their popularity was derived from the simplicity involved in putting them on or taking them off, for the level of protection they were unable to contrast with the Burgonet; it was utilized in some way by cavalry up until the last disappearance of armor from the battlefield around 1670.

The lower half of the more fancy Burgonets worn by cavalrymen and nobles was usually made into a total protector for the ears, chin and cheeks, correlated thoroughly with the gorget. Thus, the armets have been compared to them many a time (and confused, as well); however, the most distinctive characteristic of the Burgonet is its front peak. Different types of vizor were tailored to fit these helmets; generally, they were either simple upward continuations of the chin piece or fixed bars. Many times, a nasal was the only face guard provided. The most current type of Burgonet in active service is the well-known Cromwellian cavalry helmet with its level brim, which is contingent upon the small visor of three bars or large wires that come together at the base of the helmet.