A FINE NORTH ITALIAN MORION C.1580

This elegant helmet is of a form known as a Spanish morion which derives from the rule of Northern Italy by the Spanish Hapsburgs. The tall skull terminates in a pear stalk and slightly overhanging back edge profile. The brim with rolled and roped edge and sunk border expands at the front and back. Helmets of this type were used by local guard units and militias and were stored in town or private arsenals when not in use. This one comes from a well known group including examples in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Von Kienbusch Collection. and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Height: 11"