Comb Morion

Artist Hans Hörburger the Elder (Innsbruck, Austria, active 1556–1586)

Date1556–1586

Mediumsteel, brass and leather fragments

Dimensions22.9 × 21.6 × 31.8 cm (9 × 8 1/2 × 12 1/2 in.), 2 lb 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsMaker's mark "HH" is stamped on the rear peak exterior; see digital file.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1094

DescriptionOf munitions quality. One piece of iron, with hammer-rough finish. Globose skull with plain comb of moderate height, encircled below by row of 18 iron rivets with petalled brass rosettes & circular iron washers within, under some of which are retained fragments of a leather lining-band. Above is another row of blind rivets set in spaced pairs, the original purpose of which is unclear except perhaps to fill holes once used to attach a textile covering. There are no apparent provisions for a plume-pipe. The skull is beaten out in a narrow, downturned brim that sweeps into points at ends. Brim edge is inwardly turned and roped.
Label TextThis piece is the work of an Austrian specialist in munitions-grade armor. It is raised from a single sheet of relatively thin iron, and has been left rough from the hammer; finer armors would be beaten with a series of successively lighter hammers to remove these marks, before being buffed and polished. The maker's mark can be seen on the brim.ProvenanceMr. Robert Ekenstierna (deceased; 500 Oakwood Road, Huntington, NY) to about 1985 Purchased by the Museum from Mr. Joshua Stoff (LI, NY) on April 23, 1998. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

On View

Not on view