1175-1200 Germany, Heidelberg Uni., Cod. Pal. germ. 112 – Rolandslied

One takeaway from my ongoing extensive study is that when romances use the word “nasal”, it can mean ANYTHING. Normal nasal, enhanced nasa (whiskers, T-nasal etc.), face plates, facial plate of the great helm, and even movable visors (solid sources exist for all).

This MS is an important source for T-nasals and primitive visors. These features originate from the 1125-1150, and what we see here is already outdated for the late 12th century, strictly speaking. There may have been an older model that is now sadly lost that showed similar helmets closer to their “time of invention”.

Besides the helmets, we see:

– typical swords with various pommels, the inside of the shields with the arm pillows and straps

– one of the earliest garnaches!

– cloaks with fibulae

– hoods and hats

– a ship.