AN ITALIAN CUIRASSIER’S CLOSE HELMET C.1620

Height 11”. Weight 6lbs 4.5 oz. The skull with medial ridge decorated with double lines flanking angled or roped medial, forged from a single piece. The double line decoration repeated on the upper edges of both neck plates. The visor and lower neck are plated with rolled and roped decoration, weak on the neck plates. The upper and lower visors and bevor with common pivots. The lower visor pierce with radial stylized floral breaths. The exterior surface with light hammer finish throughout, and expected signs of lamination. It was probably painted originally as supported by the fact that the engraved decoration is crisp. Completely original including the artistic visor hooks. The pivot bolts peened at the time of construction of the helmet and never opened. Helmets of this type were worn with three quarter armor, by horsemen, including the personal guards of nobles and monarchs. Rarely seen in such untouched condition. See our FNS4136 for another example.