XV Century Sallet – Helmet based on the original from Churburg
The sallet is made of high-quality C45 steel, 2 mm thick, providing solid protection while remaining comfortable to wear. The visor features a snap-lock mechanism and can be raised; the back of the sallet has a characteristic gap corresponding to the original design, allowing the visor to be secured in the open position.
The replica is a faithful reproduction of a sallet from the mid-15th century originating from Churburg Castle (Castel Coira) in South Tyrol, currently held in the Royal Armouries collection in Leeds, object number II.168 A, dated around 1460. The sallet has a visor with a plain main edge and cusped edges. The original was stamped multiple times with “GV” under a crown and under a split cross, likely indicating the workshop or maker – a common practice in medieval Italian armouries, helping identify the craftsman and origin of the helmet. Additionally, the helmet featured a packing/transport slot, allowing safe transport and storage.
A separate chin guard can be fitted or ordered for the replica, no. 060 or no. 114 – an additional piece protecting the lower face and neck, used in combination with the sallet in the original. Additionally, brass rosettes can be added, as shown in the last photo.
The original from Churburg – like other mid-15th-century sallets – had a plain, smooth main edge and a “tail” at the back, typical of Italian helmets with Germanic influences. The sallet’s design provided better visibility and head mobility than earlier bascinet helmets, making it popular among both infantry – cavalry across Europe.
