Comb Morion for the Guard of Christian I or II, Electors of Saxony

Artist Master "MR"

Culture German , Nuremberg

Dateabout 1585–1595

Mediumblackened steel with etched and gilded decoration, brass, textile, leather

Dimensions27.9 × 24.4 × 35.7 cm (11 × 9 5/8 × 14 1/16 in.), 4 lb. (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsNuremberg "Beschau" on front right of brim; conjoined "MR" opposite (see digital file); pearled "N" of rolling mills within brim on proper right rear.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.48

DescriptionOne-piece globose skull with narrow, upturned roped brim, and comb of moderate height. The hammerwork underneath the brim is surprisingly coarse; there is some delamination of the metal on the underside. Base of skull encircled by 16 brass-gilt lions' masks each with a ring through mouth. Some of the lions have lost their gilding, and some could be restorations; some of the rings are restored. Body of helmet reblackened, with etched and gilded decorative bands filled by strapwork and scrolling motives. The gilding may be a later paint-gilding. Centered on skull sides is circular medallion enclosing a figure of Mucius Scaevola (proper left) and Marcus Curtius (proper right). On comb are respectively ducal Saxon arms and Archmarshallship of the Empire. At posterior of comb is restored brass-gilt cast plume holder in form of female herm. Tapered, thrice-laminated cheekpieces & red velvet quilted lining restored.
Label TextThe electors of Saxony were powerful German princes who maintained a personal bodyguard unit (Trabantengarde), which during the reign of Christian I and II numbered 200 horsemen and footsoldiers. Custom-made equipment like this helmet was issued to these troops. Their armor and uniforms were black with gold decoration, imitating the colors of the Saxon coat-of-arms. The guards' equipment was displayed in a special gallery of the electoral armory in the Saxon capital, Dresden. In the 1800s, much of it was given away or sold--numerous helmets like this one were sent to the city's opera house for use as props.ProvenanceDr. Herschell Boyd (Seattle, WA); Anonymous sale, Galerie Fischer, 24 June 1974, lot 71; Electoral Armory, Dresden. Purchased from Christie's on 12 December 1997 at auction. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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