Mortuary Helmet
Culture
English
Date1600s
Mediumiron
Dimensions31.8 × 27.9 × 20.3 cm (12 1/2 × 11 × 8 in.), 4 lb 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1128
DescriptionGenuine burgonet bowl fitted with lower-bevor of a close-helmet and rear plate of a 16c gorget; visor and upper bevor added for the funerary assemblage. Atop the comb is a suspension/crest spike, having a round eye at the top and a triangular stop at the base (inside the comb); a slot just above the comb is pierced by a wedge of sheet iron to stabilize the spike. Characteristic mortuary helm surface.Label TextMortuary helmets hung over the tombs of aristocrats as markers of status. The top spike and loop on this one may have doubled as a suspension system to hang the helmet, and as a support to hold a heraldic emblem based on the deceased’s coat of arms. This was originally an open-faced military helmet. The crude face plates are funerary replacements, turning it into a type more associated with knights.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on March 12, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY), their # 128. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Desiderius Helmschmid
about 1552
