Close Helmet for Foot Combat at the Barriers

Culture Italian

Dateabout 1600

Mediumsteel

Dimensions25.4 × 21.6 × 27.9 cm (10 × 8 1/2 × 11 in.), 10 lb 2 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsPossible trace of a mark below and forward of the left pivot.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1080

DescriptionOf the type rotating on the gorget, secured with a hasp and turning-pin. Of very thick steel. There is a recut edge on the R side of the skull. Temple-pivots are modern. There is a hole in the back for securing the shaft of a plume. There are some issues in the fit between the skull-visor unit and the upper-lower bevor unit, suggesting the possibility of compositing. Sword-cut marks can be seen on the surface.

Lower bevor is associated and altered, very possibly restored, and overall there is clearly compositing at work, though the complexity of the piece makes it hard to rule out working-life alterations.
Label TextJousting had originally developed as a way for knights to practice their martial skills in times of peace. Eventually it developed its own range of specialized weapons, with custom-made equipment that offered maximum protection at the cost of visibility and mobility. Combat at the barriers had evolved as a way for knights to entertain themselves during a long siege: by arrangement, defending knights would come out of the castle, behind a small barrier, to fight knights from the attacking army. By Shakespeare's day, a version of this had become a standard tournament sport, practiced with swords--you can still see the sword marks on this heavy, highly protective helmet.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on January 4, 1929 from W.O. Oldman, London, England, his no. 21. Given to the Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, Janaury 2014.

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