I was wondering if anybody had an opinion, or any documentation on to what the ratio of types of helmets seem to have been worn in Northern Europe in the 15th c. - e.g. sallet to kettlehat, barbute, armet, bascinet?

How do the proportions bear out to what we seen worn in living history/re-enactment groups in the US/UK/Europe ? In other words, are we seeing a reasonable facsimile of what we know of the reality of a later medieval army?

Partly depends on class of soldier. Older and out of fashion helmets would be worn by poorer footmen. I believe bascinets were right out by 1450. Probably turned into other pieces of armour.

My speculation is-

among Men at Arms/knight:
Sallets 50%
Armets 30%
Grand Bascinet or other heavy styles 10%
misc others 10%

among footmen:
sallets (probably open faced) 40%
kettle hats 20%
other styles 10%
unhelmeted 30%

This is based on extant helmets, pictorial evidence, written accounts (ordinances, etc.), for the latter half of the 1400's.

I don't have an opinion about how reenactors utilize historical helmet styles. Most use helmets that aren't shaped properly and would not qualify as reproductions.

Just my feelings......

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Cheers,