Houndskull Helmet

By Crusader1307

Developed around the 14th Century, the Houndskull was made of steel. Used not only by Knights, but other classes of Men at Arms could wear these helmets. Recognized for their semi-pointed (blunted) tops and sloping pointed fronts, the Houndskull resembled the "skull" or head of a dog/hound. Known as a member of the Bascinet family (or open faced series), the face plate or visor offered limited visibility. The wearer's eyes were forced forward with no peripheral vision. The elongated front/face piece could be raised or lowered. Variations of this helmet had ventilation holes incorporated into the front face piece. Often, these helmets would be highly decorated.