Comb Morion
Dateabout 1580
Mediumblued steel with brass, iron and fragments of fabric and leather fittings
Dimensions27.9 × 25.7 × 38.1 cm (11 × 10 1/8 × 15 in.), 3 lb 6.5 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1069
DescriptionSingle piece of steel, with a blued finish, now russet. Brim downturned at sides and drawn upwards to points at front and rear. Edge has roped inward turns, with narrow sunken border. Base of skull encircled with lining-rivets and brass rosette washers. Cheekpieces lost. Base of high, roped comb has holes for missing plume-holder. Decoration limited to single incised line & pair of incised lines along top & bottom (respectively) of comb.Label TextThis simple yet elegant helmet is raised from a single piece of steel; cheaper versions would be welded together from two separate halves. It retains its original blueing, created by coating the piece with oil, heating it, then "quenching" the hot steel in a liquid bath. This treatment was often used for decorative effect; it also served the practical purpose of preventing rust. Original blueing does not often survive, as it can easily be removed by overzealous cleaning.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on 7 July 1926 from Fenton & Sons (London). Price $24.35. Given to the Armory on 8 January 1947. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014. Per Ian Eaves 2002, this is one of a group of helmets obtained in the 1920s by W.H. Fenton of London, probably from a house in Ireland.
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