- The helm and armour available to me at this time. The helm very similar to the bulbous faced bascinet shown below.
1410-1418 France
In the second image, below, you can see the difference between the two kinds of bulbous faced helms, both worn at the same time. The helm on the left is like the ones above and is worn with a maile standard or coif. The helms shown on the right, below, are worn with articulated throat and neck plates. This is part of what makes them grand bascinets.
1410-1418 France
As far as armour available, I will be using a set up like this one. Differences: my grieves are not fully cased, I do not yet have sabatons (I like these round toed ones) and I do not have a maile skirt to wear under the faulds of the corizana.
1440-1418 France
Moving on to the horse gear, here are some images that also show the bulbous faced bascinet and related armour used in 1440-1455, in association with horses and helm decoration. Only one of these shows a tournament setting. In that case, though the animal style helm crests are present, at this time they are shown without a torse to cover the join between crest and mantle.
This first image shows a couple of bulbous faced helms. One is worn with full plate, the other with a fabric covering on the chest. Of the open barding, shades of red are shown: bright red x 3, pink x 1, purple x 1. Gold seems to be the most common trim tone and is applied to all parts of the barding.
1440-1445 France
The image below shows an ornate grand bascinet with 3 feathers rising from the top. The saddle has the same covering as the barding and bridle.
1440-1450 France
A short tailed horse with a pink harness. Note the double girth bands - Useful to avoid slipping while you are swooping over the sea to finish monsters? Perhaps the chest band is not just decorative, but also serves as a simple chest guard to stop back slip.
1450 France
The following is the only image in this time period that I have been able to find the could, potentially show both a suitable helm and equestrian use with animal helm crests. The equipment for the horses is significantly different from other barding shown. This suggests that if animal helm crests were to be used while riding during this later period (1440-50, rather than 1410-20), it would be most appropriate in this format, not open war.
1447-1449 Hagenou, France
Bridles
a b c d e f
(a) This bridle is the one I would like to replicate. The horses I ride usually do not use bits so the nose band shown is the closest to what we currently use.
(b) (d) (e) (f) These bridles do not show the nose band to be in use. I cannot see a cheek strap, either, though this may be due to positioning. All of these horses use a bit.
Chest straps
a b c d e f
Form
(a) (b) single strap with a short hanging strap centre front.
(c) (d) (e) single strap
(f) full covering that works up to leg protection
Decoration
(a) (c) (d) large gold coloured roundels used on joins and regular intervals on strap.
(b) (d) (e) smaller gold coloured studs and/or rectangular plaques spaced 1 plaque width to 2 spaces.
(f) gold roundels or bells on the lower edge of the chest skirt.
Roundel size
(a) roundel full width of the strap, centred
(b) roundel slightly wider than strap, centred
(c) roundel full width of the strap, on edge, small studs along upper edge of the solid band
(d) roundel width of the fringed part of the strap, which is 4 x wider than the upper band, on centre of the thin upper band. Small studs along the upper band, rectangular plaques on the lower fringed section.
(e) roundel, the full width of the strap including both the upper band and fringed part, seen on join at rear. Small studs along the upper band, rectangular plaques on the lower fringed section.
Rear straps
a b c d e f
(f) no rear straps
Horizontal straps
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) One horizontal strap
(a) (d) clearly show the horizontal strap passing under the tail
Others are not visible. None show the strap passing above the tail
Vertical Straps - hanging
(a) (c) 3 vertical straps under the horizontal strap
(b) 2 vertical straps under the horizontal strap
(e) 1 vertical strap under the horizontal strap
Vertical - Support, above
(b) 2 vertical straps above the horizontal strap
(c) (d) (e) 1 vertical strap above the horizontal strap
Uneven vs Matched
(a) (c) more hanging straps than upper vertical straps
(b) (d) same number of hanging straps as upper vertical straps
Decorations - Roundals
(all) shown roundels on joins in straps
(a) (b) roundels on hanging terminals
(c) (d) no roundel on terminals
Decorations - trim
(a) fine fringe on edge of hanging vertical straps
(b) small gold studs along centre
(c) small gold diagonal bars or crescent studs all along straps
(d) some sort of gold detailing on straps, finer than studs, may be gilding or thread
(e) Small studs along the upper band, rectangular plaques on the lower fringed section.
Reins
a b c d e f
Width
(a) (b) narrow along the full length
(c) (d) wide, hanging, seen at nose only
(e) Horse faces right, seen at shoulder, wide on hanging length, narrow where handled
(f) narrow-medium, all straps the same width on bridle, rein and chest
Number
(a) (b) double reins, from bit to handling
(c) (d) (e) (f) single reigns
Points to consider
I need to think about how the open barding will be attached, which saddle it will be used with and how to make sure the straps are attached safely and comfortably. I will need to think about whether I make a bridle from scratch, using a historical or a similar, familiar modern style or if I make a cover for an existing bridle and reins. Righto, I am off to pattern a horse.
