Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 1).djvu/337

 slightly the earlier of the two, and in the opinion of the Baron de Cosson, is probably German in make. The skull-piece is still pointed, but very much less so than those of the earlier bascinets; also the point of the visor is more obtuse and rounded. The covering for the nape of the neck is forged of a single piece; and the chin-piece is formed of two plates, one of which covers the chin and the other forms the neck-guard. The visor, which is removable as in the case of the other bascinets, is pierced with double slits forming the ocularia, and with numerous round holes at each side of the point for purposes of ventilation. There is an armourer's mark stamped on the lower part of the skull-piece—a Gothic R in a shield.

(a)     (b)

Now in the Zeughaus of Berlin, formerly in the town hall of Fürstenwalde on the Spree

(a) Profile view; (b) Back view

The other helmet (Fig. 309), though still retaining the pointed skull-piece characteristic of the bascinet helmet, is pierced at the top with a large hole for the purpose of attaching a plume, and with five holes beneath the pivots of the visor at each side, for auditory purposes. The visor is very salient in front, and is pierced with numerous round holes for sight and breathing. The projecting chin-piece is also pierced with round holes on the upper part. The camail plates widen towards the base and are pierced with small holes for the probable purpose of lacing. The Baron de Cosson is