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Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Visor in the form of a grotesque mask
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Visor in the form of a grotesque mask

Culture
Datepossibly early 1600s
Mediumiron
Dimensions17 × 16.5 cm (6 11/16 × 6 1/2 in.), 1 lb 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1122
DescriptionBlackened heavy iron. Shaped visor-like & embossed with features of human face. Divided, stepped sights, pronounced hook nose & slotted mouth resembling toothy grin. At curved sides & top of brow are pairs of small holes possibly for laces or points. Single holes at lower corners. The whole is crudely made & asymmetrical. It does not appear to have been made as a visor, although there is a superficial resemblance to the horned helmet in the Royal Armouries, H.M. Tower of London. Nose appears to have been slightly crushed.
ProvenancePurchased by Museum on July 18, 1939 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for the estate of Clarence H. Mackay, his no. #E58. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Flemish
1625–1630
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
portions 1500s, assembled and decorated in 1800s
Conservation Status: After Treatment
Southern German
1480–1490
Close Helmet for Field and Tournament
Northern Italian
about 1550–1570
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
1560–1570
Close Helmet
Austrian
possibly about 1580–1590
Conservation Status: After Treatment
Southern German
about 1590