Description
Suitable for foot or mounted combat, this two-tiered helmet was favored by both knights and men-at-arms. The Salade, or English Sallet, likely took shape in the armor workshops of France or Burgundy during the late 15th century. Its hallmark is the extended tail at the back, crafted to shield the neck and nape from downward strikes. This style fits closely atop a bevor, a plate designed to protect the chin and throat, providing solid facial defense while still allowing the wearer to move their head with ease. The original helmet, thought to be English and dating to around 1480, features a pivoting visor that can be raised during battle or rest, and a bevor that drops down like a falling buff to cover the lower face. Forged from 18 gauge steel, both the sallet and bevor are fully lined to ease the weight and prevent chafing. This combination reveals the practical demands of warriors who needed both protection and clear sight on the field.
Fun fact: The German Gothic Sallet, a close cousin to the English Sallet, often featured a more pointed tail and a distinctive ridge running over the helmet’s crown, which helped deflect blows and gave it a striking silhouette on the battlefield.
Fun fact: The German Gothic Sallet, a close cousin to the English Sallet, often featured a more pointed tail and a distinctive ridge running over the helmet’s crown, which helped deflect blows and gave it a striking silhouette on the battlefield.
