1924 Antique Helmet

1924) A HOUNDSKULL BASCINET IN THE TASTE OF CIRCA 1380: This helmet is so convincingly made that the experts at the international auction house in France that sold it in 2003 were fooled and listed it as a composite period helmet from the 100 Years’ War!

Introduction: During the Medieval period, there were numerous variants of the bascinet. The most notable circa 1380 was the ‘houndskull” ( also known as “pig face”) bascinet by the Victorians. However, the correct term is “visored bascinet”. The houndskull bascinet has a cone-shaped snout that projects forward, with ventilation holes at its base. An additional slit was created for the mouth. A variant of the houndskull bascinet during this period featured a detachable hinged visor. To remove the visor, you simply pull the pin from the hinge. The pins were attached to a safety chain to prevent them from being lost. Please see page 72 of my book for examples and more details.

Discussion: This is a masterful helmet made during the Victorian period. Arms and Armor reproductions made during this period exhibit age and old-school workmanship; they can be very convincing. Many collectors, dealers, and auction houses cannot tell them apart from authentic period pieces. The workmanship and aging are very convincing. The Victorian period (UK) spanned from 1837 to 1901; during this time, the collecting of Arms and Armor was revitalized in the United Kingdom. Historismus is the German version of the Victorian period. The Historismus period (Germany) is a similar period in Germany (and surrounding countries) that was widespread in the 1800s and in the early 1900s. Historismus’s highest interest was around 1850, slightly before the Victorian era. During the Victorian and Historismus periods, the wealthy collected Arms and Armor. Collecting was fashionable, but there weren’t enough actual period Arms and Armor pieces to satisfy demand, and when they were available, they were expensive. Price and scarcity drove demand, and as a result, many exceptional reproduction pieces were made.

Dimensions: Height: 36 cm – Width: 23 cm

Provenance: From Château du Sailhant, which rises from a jagged basalt cliff in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes. The Château looks like it was carved straight out of the rock, and in many ways, it was. This thousand-year-old fortress is located near the village of Andelat in the Cantal region. Beneath it, a 60-foot waterfall crashes into an ancient volcanic crater lake. The location is dramatic, and the history even more so.

The first structure was likely a wooden tower built in the 9th or 10th century. By the 11th, the Saillans family replaced it with stone. By 1250, thick walls, two towers, ramparts, and a dry moat protected the square keep. A drawbridge gave access, and just as easily cut it off.

Through the Hundred Years’ War, the château was battered, besieged, and fortified again. French and English forces fought for it more than once. Classical features were added in the Renaissance, but the stronghold’s core remained intact. By the 17th century, the fortress had fallen from grace. It was used as a farmhouse. A century later, it became a bishop’s residence, trading chainmail for velvet robes.

Then came the revival.

In 1997, American architect Joseph Pell Lombardi took on a full restoration. He spent 15 years stabilizing the towers, restoring the grand room, and carefully sourcing furnishings that felt true to the château’s layered past. His work peeled back the 18th-century alterations, bringing the medieval character back to life.

Conclusion: Let me be very blunt, in the extremely unlikely event that a houndskull bascinet were to reach today’s collectors market, it would sell for over a million dollars! Prices like these frustrate many collectors, and they have no option but to view ultra-rare items like these in museums, books, or through contemporary reproductions. However, there is another option, used by many museums and top collectors worldwide, which is almost as good as the real object. It’s a Victorian reproduction.

Victorian Arms and Armor were meticulously crafted by skilled old-world craftsmen from 1837 to 1901. Now, after over 100 years, these pieces have aged, were made with very good old-school workmanship, and for many collectors and even some experts, are difficult to differentiate from genuine Renaissance and Medieval period Arms and Armor. This is your chance to fulfill a dream; however, you must act now!

The owner wants the bascinet sold immediately, so don’t hesitate, it’s priced to sell today!

All my items come with the following:

–Free shipping.

–10-day review period.

–Certificate of Authenticity.

–Autographed copy of my book.

– In the event of an international shipment, we will help assign the lowest correct Customs tariff so you pay the least.

Please contact me for the best available price.

I believe you will be very pleased. ACT-NOW, this one will sell, and I don’t want you to be disappointed.!!!*

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