These light, open-faced helmets were very popular with infantry soldiers and some cavalry during the early 16th centuries. The low comb ridge became popular in the late 15th century. Sallets could be supplemented with a separate plate defense known as a bevor, which provided protection to the lower half of the soldier’s face. The embossed “slash” design around the front of the helmet may have been added at a later date to reflect the popular fashion trend of making slashes in the sleeve to reveal rich fabrics underneath.
