Close Helmet
Cultureprobably
French
or
Culture
Flemish
Dateabout 1550–1556
Mediumsteel
Dimensions28.6 × 20.3 × 31.8 cm (11 1/4 × 8 × 12 1/2 in.), 7 lb 13 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1158.1
DescriptionProbably Franco-Italian or Flemish, ca. 1550-56. In acid-cleaned condition.Skull of one piece, ovoid with medium height roped comb, bordered by engraved lines. Near the base of the skull is fitted a row of seven dome-headed lining rivets; ten flush-headed are mounted around the facial opening. The base of the skull is flared out at the rear, and fitted with two nape lames, articulated by rivets only. Both plates are decorated near the upper edge with a single engraved line, and the rounded terminal lame also has a single sunken border, and roped edge inwardly turned. A pierced lug is mounted on the proper right anterior edge of the skull, securing the bevor pivot-hook.
Bevor pivoted at the temples, formed with pronounced chin and medial ridge. Facial edges rolled and decorated as above. Lining rivets around face and jaw lines. Lower edge fitted with two gorget plates articulated and decorated as above. Proper right posterior fitted with pivot-hook. Similar pivot-hook near mid-point of facial opening, proper right to secure upper-bevor.
Upper-bevor is pointed with defined medial ridge. The upper edge sweeps up into an acute cusp at mid-point; roped, inwardly turned edge for three-quarters of length, above a single sunken border as above. Lower edge slightly bevelled, cusped at mid-length, and bordered by a single engraved line extending to pivots. Pierced at mid-face on either side with four ventillation holes in a diamond pattern. Deep, rectangular cut on proper right upper edge to accommodate visor lifting peg. On the lower edge, below this cut, is a pierced lug for bevor pivot-hook.
Visor is pivoted at temples, fits deeply into upper-bevor. Roped, single, stepped ocularium, decorated as above. Medial comb, extending to the ocularium, and below as an outwardly flared ridge. Lower edge flanges inward, cusped slightly at lifting peg. Deep brow plate, rises to cusp at comb. Octagonal-section lifting peg, pinched at its base, terminated in a turned conical shape. Helmet pivot screws are restored, the head in the form of a deeply faceted, truncated cone.
Label TextBy the mid-1500s, cavalry armor had taken the form that today is thought of as the typical "knightly" armor. This helmet would have been worn by the most heavily armored troops of the day. The helmet provides full protection to the face, with only a narrow eyeslot and a few breathing holes, but it is still markedly lighter than late 16th-century tournament helmets. Both the visor and bevor (lower faceplate) could be raised for easier breathing and visibility. The chinplate also turns on rivets to allow the helmet to be put on and off.ProvenanceHarness, save gauntlets and helmet: Mr. Edwin J. Brett (until c. 1895) sold by Christie's to Mr. S.J. Whawell. Sold by Whawell in about 1922 to an unnamed English artist, who resold the armor to Mr. Whawell on 6 May 1924. Upon Mr. Whawell's death, the harness was acquired by Messrs. Liberty and Company. Purchased by John W. Higgins on October 18, 1927 from Liberty & Co for GBP500. Helmet and gauntlets : When purchased from Mr. Brett, the armor had an open-faced helmet, and lacked gauntlets. (per a letter dated 22 November 1927 from Liberty and Company) Those present with the armor were purchased at the 14 June 1923 Sotheby sale of Pembroke collection by Liberty and Company for Mr. Whawell (he obviously intended to reacquire the armor at this time). The items were reacquired by Liberty and Company at Mr. Whawell's death; and later acquired by Higgins. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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