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Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Zischägge
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Zischägge

Dateabout 1625–1650, decorated in 1700s
Mediumsteel, iron and paint with modern leather
Dimensions18 × 24 × 36 cm (7 1/16 × 9 7/16 × 14 3/16 in.), 2 lb, 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1132.1
Description2 piece skull of relatively light metal, with sliding nasal secured by a restored screw. The metal is in somewhat damaged condition in places, but the object is stable overall.

Exterrior covered with gold stars painted on what was perhaps once a reddish field, within a darker colored border. The rivets are also painted gold, with an image of a floral washer around each one, also in gold paint. A lightly incised line runs between each paired row of stars, and a pair of light incised lines encircles the front of the browline. There are traces of paint and perhaps an additional surface coating of some sort on the interior. The star-shaped finial at the top was probably added with the painted decoration.

The staple for the nosebar is painted, but the bar itself might be a restoration; the pseudo-wingnut retaining it is modern.
ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on May 16, 1930 from Cyril Andrade, Ltd. of London, his no. 122. Given to the Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Netherlandish
about 1625–1650, decorated in 1700s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Netherlandish
about 1625–1650, decorated in 1700s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Netherlandish
about 1625–1650, decorated in 1700s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Shaban Ziya
hilt about 1700–1750, blade 1860–1861
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Austrian
about 1600–1620
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern German
about 1540
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Austrian
about 1530–1540, with restorations from 1800s