Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely scarce example of a likely German Burgonet helmet, dating to the mid-to-late 17th Century. This helmet was constructed of a single piece of iron which was heated and hammered into shape. Above the narrow brim is a row of rivets that would have included a band of leather on the interior. This leather band would have been stitched to a fabric helmet lining. Neither the leather nor the liner are present. This helmet is in very good condition for its age. There are a few areas of minor damage including a small hole in the top and the two side plates are a bit loose, (see images) but nothing that should not be expected from a 400+ year old iron helmet. The helmet measures roughly 11 x 13 x 8½".

This example retains its two side plates but they are a small bit loose due to the weakening of the hinges, so it’s important that the plates sit with the visor in their small notches so there isn’t too much stress on the hinges. The plates are perforated with several small holes, some in groups of three, certainly meant to improve the hearing of the wearer.

The burgonet helmet is characterized by a skull with a large fixed or hinged peak projecting above the face-opening, and usually an integral, keel-like, crest or comb running from front to rear. Attached to the skull are substantial hinged cheekpieces which usually do not meet at the chin or throat. A flange projects from the lower parts of the skull and cheekpieces to protect the back and sides of the neck. Though typically a relatively light helmet and open faced, a falling buffe, a sort of visor that was closed by being drawn up rather than down, was sometimes used.

Commonplace throughout Europe, it first came into use early in the 16th century and had attained its classic form by c. 1550. Accompanied by plate armour, burgonets were mostly worn by cavalry: cuirassiers, demi-lancers and hussars (Polish hussars). The Border Reivers, of the English-Scottish borderlands, were very fond of burgonets and the morion in Elizabethan times, and as a result reivers were often called steil (steel) bonnets. Burgonets were also a popular helmet type among the Polish winged hussars, where they merged with types of lobster-tailed pot helmets (Zischägge), often featuring a nasal bar or facial guard.

The burgonet was common among the mercenary Swiss infantry who were pikemen who could defend themselves against cavalry (perhaps taking helmets of this form as trophies). Following the appearance of the Adrian and Brodie helmets and the Stahlhelm, in the First World War, the Swiss experimented with a "streamlined" form of the burgonet for their own national helmet, but both designs were rejected.

The factors of utility of the burgonet over older helmets include:

- Cost: The main factor in the decision to wear one; burgonets were significantly cheaper than closed-face helmets due to having fewer hinges and locking mechanisms required to keep typical close helms closed.

- Encumbrance: Close helmets were slightly heavier, and while mobility was roughly similar, it could be hard for the wearer to see, and breathe freely during combat while wearing one. The burgonet, however, was light and had an open face that gave an advantage in close quarters combat.

- Protection: The burgonet was not as protective as heavier helms, but still protected most of the head. Having an open face could be remedied with a falling buffe.

This is a lovely example of an extremely scarce helmet, ready for further research and display!