Armet Adapted for Mortuary Use
Culture
Southern German
Date1505–1510
Mediumsteel
Dimensions26 × 23 × 29 cm (10 1/4 × 9 1/16 × 11 7/16 in.), 6 lb 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1153.1
DescriptionRounded skull with low, roped comb; roping is bordered with engraved lines. Rear of skull decorated with light, divergent fluting, terminating in cut crescents (cf. to breastplate and backplate of WAM 2014.1174, also from the Mackay collection). There are two sets of two holes each punched at center of low comb; the two larger ones are certainly for a funerary mounting. Pierced at neck and temples with pairs of lining adjustment holes. Single hole near base of neck possibly for stalk and rondel (lacking). Below this is a single row of five lining rivets.
Cheekpieces are hinged on upper edge near visor pivots; very deep extending from posterior skull to chin overlap proper right to left. Proper left is fitted with securing turning-pin. Edges at facial opening fitted with single row of lining rivets, lower edges flanged to secure and rotate on colletin. Pierced for hearing with five holes in a cross-shaped pattern.
The visor is of bellows type of four peaks and stepped sight. Visor is slightly asymmetric, perhaps to accommodate a catch on the left side. Divided sight, below which are four transverse rectangular slots. Below these are two sets of oblique rectangular ventilation slots. All of the above are bordered by double engraved lines. Visor decoratively cusped at terminals, forehead, and mid-lower edge; lower edge at chin is scalloped. Visor lifting peg is restored.
The visor and possibly the skull are of 2 layers of steel welded together. The L side of the visor at the mouth has a damage mark and dent that look to be from an axe-type weapon.
Label TextThis helmet is a rare example of a type of knightly headpiece frequently seen in illustrations by Renaissance German artists. It was once suspended over a tomb in a chruch in Suffolk, England.Provenance(As of 1905) Edward Barry, Bray, Berkshire, England Sir Guy F. Laking purchased in 1907 by Clarence Mackay collection (his #2, #A-38 in Gimbel sale); not in "Record of Armor Sales." Purchased by Museum from Hammer Galleries, Gimbel Brothers (NYC) on June 1, 1942. (Helmet) ex church in Norfolk or Suffolk; Walter Withall. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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