Cabasset ("Schützenhaubel")
Dateabout 1600
Mediumblack-painted steel with iron, brass and leather fragments
Dimensions26.7 × 19.7 × 30.5 cm (10 1/2 × 7 3/4 × 12 in.), 2 lb 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsStamped marks at front edge, difficult to read.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1053
DescriptionAlmond-shaped, one-piece skull with small rearwardly-angled finial at apex. Longitudinal, full length medial ridge to integral brim, which narrows at anterior and posterior. 4 holes for a lost plume holder at rear of skull. Carrying hole in brim at front.Label TextThis piece is an excellent example of the "munitions"-grade armor of the late Renaissance. By 1600, a helmet and corslet (breast and back plates) were standard issue for foot soldiers, produced in large numbers at a significantly reduced quality. This piece is fairly rough in manufacture, but has nonetheless been raised from a single sheet of steel, testament to the maturity of the armorer's craft and the mastery of its practitioners. The hole in the brim of this helmet may have served to hook it onto the body armor when on the march. The rivets at the base of the crown originally secured a lining. Holes to attach a plume holder can be seen in the back.ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell purchased by John W. Higgins on November 28, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 157. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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