German burgonet, 16th century

Polish hussar wearing burgonet, 17th century

The Burgonet helmet (sometimes called as bourgundian sallet) was a late mediæval/early modern combat helmet. It was the successor of the sallet.

It came into popularity towards the end of the 16th century. Commonplace throughout Europe, the Burgonet was accompanied by plate armour and worn by cuirassiers, demi-lancers and hussars. It was a light helmet, open-faced and decorated with one or more metal fins on top. Though typically open faced, a falling buffe, a sort of visor that was drawn up rather than down, could be used.

Burgonets were also a very popular helmet type among regiments of Polish winged hussars, where they took many different forms, often featuring also a facial guard.

The burgonet was common among the mercenary Swiss infantry. These were pikemen who could defend themselves against cavalry (and perhaps took 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 large closed-face helmets
• Encumbrance — Closed helmets were very bulky and heavy. It could be hard to see, breathe or turn your head while wearing one. The Burgonet however was light and had an open face; this gives an advantage in offense.
• Protection — The Burgonet was not as protective as heavier helms, but still afforded some protection. Having an open face could be remedied with a falling buffe.

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Burgonet

Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Burgonet.

• Spotlight: The Burgonet (myArmoury.com article)

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