Close helmet: HEN.M.74-1933

Maker(s)

Unknown

Entities

• Close helmet

Categories

• Armour

Description

Close helmet, for use by a cuirassier, with later painted decoration. Formed of a skull with an integral neck-defence, a pivoted peak with a separate face-defence, and a bevor with an integral neck-defence, attached to the skull by the same pivots as the peak. The rounded skull is formed in two halves joined by a turn to the right along a low medial comb. The slightly downturned, medially-ridged peak projects forward to an acute central point which shows slight damage. Riveted within the brow of the peak is a medially-ridged, U-shaped face-defence which is cut with a pair of large eye-openings of inverted tear-drop shape, and a small lozenge-shaped ventilation-hole at the mouth. The face-defence is secured to the bevor at the right side of the chin by a swivel-hook and pierced stud. The main edges of the helmet have plain inward turns accompanied by recessed borders.
The helmet is painted overall with a continuous pattern of scrolling gold foliage on a blackened ground. The painting was applied to the helmet subsequent to manufacture, possibly for pageant use.

Notes

History note: Mr James Stewart Henderson of 'Abbotsford', Downs Road, St Helen's Park, Hastings, Sussex.

Legal notes

J.S. Henderson Bequest

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1933-03-16) by Henderson, James Stewart

Dating

17th Century, Early#
Production date: circa AD 1620 : painted decoration later

Note

North Italian