"Mezza testa" (skull-cap)

Cultureprobably Northern Italian

Dateabout 1490–1500

Mediumsteel

Dimensions9.9 × 15.4 × 19.9 cm (3 7/8 × 6 1/16 × 7 13/16 in.), 8.5 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1056

DescriptionLight steel cap of 1 piece, shaped as smooth, bowl-like defense which reaches to top of ears. Shaped with slightly more gentle shope on anterior half to brow. Basal edge is level & unturned, pierced over its length with close-set pairs of punched holes at spaced intervals in order to attach lining &/or cloth covering. At 1 end, skull is pierced with larger hole, apparently later, serving no functional purpose.

Traces of dark red paint survive locally & seems to indicate that exterior was so covered at some point in past.
ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on September 28, 1929 from estate of Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY) as lot 96. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954 (Probably same Former Possession as 928.11- this may be a Rhodes piece.) Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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