Visor in the form of a grotesque mask
Culture
European
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
