Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 2).djvu/108

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Fig. 423. Bascinet

Described by Viollet-le-Duc as the type of helmet called the barbute Italian, about 1390-1400. No. 15, Wallace Collection

reserve this helmet for inclusion in the present chapter in order to contrast M. Viollet-le-Duc's conception of a barbute with that of the Baron de Cosson. The Wallace bascinet barbute is a finely made helmet, heavy, thick, and very true in outline. The skull-piece is constructed on the lines of a bascinet of about 1390 with a pointed apex; though, as we have said, the base of the helmet splays outwards. Following the line of the border, except on the prominent cheek projections, is a close row of small holes for the attachment of the lining, and inside these, some 2-1/4 inches apart, a row of staples through which a cord was passed for the fastening of the camail; these cease over the forehead, in the extreme centre of which are two small staples with upright projections placed one above the other. It is probable that they were for