Coventry Sallet

The Coventry Sallet is an exceptional 15th-century helmet on display at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. English sallets, such as this one, are quite rare and hold significant historical value.

This helmet stands 11 inches tall, measures 12.25 inches from front to back, and is 7.75 inches wide, with a weight of 5.25 pounds. It boasts several notable features: a short tail, a jawbone visor offering additional protection to the brow, and a "high crowned" design that distinguishes it from Italian or German helmets. At some stage, a plume holder was added to the helmet.

Crafted around 1460 during the Wars of the Roses, the helmet bears armorers' marks indicating it was likely manufactured in Italy. In the 19th century, it featured in Coventry's Godiva Procession and was displayed at St Mary's Hall before being relocated to its current home at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. Given that few English-made armor pieces from this period have survived, the Coventry Sallet remains a unique and invaluable artifact of England's historical heritage.