European Helmets
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Glasgow Museums has a collection of over 60 European helmets which date broadly from about 500 BCE to the 20th century. This collection includes a range of helmets representing both ancient and modern warfare. Although the earliest items – six bronze helmets – date to about 500 BC, the majority of the collection comes from a much later period. The 14th century is represented by a basinet, possibly German, which although now very rare was once a very popular form of head protection. Also from this period is part of a helm found near Carluke – the only surviving substantial piece of plate armour ever found in Scotland. From the 15th century there are three excellent Italian sallets (often called barbutes), one of which still retains its original velvet covering and linen lining. There are also two sallets made in southern Germany which date to about 1480 and three armets – horseman's helmets which fully enclose the head – from the same period. The 16th century is best represented in this collection with a range of fully enclosing helmets, such as close helmets and burgonets with falling buffs (flexible face defences), as well as more open-faced types including around a dozen comb morions and so-called 'Spanish morions'. In addition there is also a good range of lighter 17th-century cavalryman's armour and heavier shot-proof helmets. The 19th and 20th centuries are represented by several pith helmets and the 'tin hats' of World Wars I and II.
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