Painted Skull of a Visored Sallet
Culture
German
Dateabout 1510–1520
Mediumpainted steel
Dimensions21 × 24 × 21 cm (8 1/4 × 9 7/16 × 8 1/4 in.), 3 lb 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1083
DescriptionCombless skull of visored sallet with flattish, rounded top pierced with single, small hole. On either side, to rear of temples is squared hole for visor-pivot, below each of which is another, smaller punched hole. From this point, down to basal edge, sides of skull are concave & extend to form short tail-like rear flange. Plain, unturned edge at base is straight-cut below areas of pivot-holes, rises angularly to rear & extends straight across back of neck to rounded, mid-width point. From this to about mid-height is low medial ridge. Base of ridge & either side of tail pierced for pivoted lame.
Boxish facial opening with unturned edge. Bordered with 10 pairs of lacing-holes for securing lost covering or lining. Row of 15 lining-rivets encircle skull above holes; rivets at rear have lost their decorative heads.
Near basal edge at proper right side pierced with horizontal pair of holes for lost spring-catch.
At one time surface was painted overall in several colors. Now badly rubbed, but portion visible of gold, flame-like design extending from brow rearward, on black or dark brown ground visible on front half & base of neck.
There appear to be 2 separate painting schemes. The older and more visible is the flamelike gold and black waves going back from the front of the skull. A later design is most visible around the ears, with a bright gold, black, and blue-green scheme.
Label TextExcept for blackened elements, painted armors are very rare. Such items would have been quite at home in tournament or parade. This skull of a helmet was once painted in several colors, of which only traces of a gold, flame-like design are visible.Provenance(By tradition) Rhodes Beshiklash his brother in Paris Louis R. Bachereau Bashford Dean Purchased by John W. Higgins from the estate of Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY), his no. 66, on 28 September 1929. Given to the Armory on 1 July 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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