Savoyard armet, Northern Italy, circa 1620 Front view

The armet was imposed at the start of the 17th century as an ultimate typological variation of the head protection completing the suit of armor. It was therefore used by cavalrymen and infantrymen together with occasionally heavy models, which proved to be particularly useful when fighting in trenches. The name of the "Savoyard" armet came from its widespread use by the troops of the Duke Charles-Emmanuel I of Savoy during the famous climb, the surprise nocturnal attack in Geneva on December 11, 1602, which was a resounding failure. Equipped with wooden ladders that could be removed, the Savoyard troops were surprised by two sentinels who had the time to shoot an arquebus. The tocsin sounded at around 02:30 in the morning and was soon joined by all the bells of the churches of Geneva. The citizens woke up and came to the aid of the bourgeois militia, to drive back the attacker. It was a remarkable victory for the Protestant Republic. So much so that each year, on December 12, there is a celebration held in Geneva on the shores of Lake Leman to commemorate the event.
The version of armet that we have here is characterized by its owl-shaped head with two large eyesight openings and a third level with the mouth to allow for easier communication. A protective reinforcement located just above the view opening is in the shape of large eyebrows that join together toward the chin, like a curved beak.