Hemispherical bowl of crystal damask watered steel (superficial surface oxidation). The base with a band of gold koftgari natural foliage within a serpentine divider. Fluted top spike on gold embellished base. Faceted plume holders and nasal bar bracket with matching gold decorated. See Pant, Indian Arms and Armour, Vol III pl.XX for a virtually identical example described as Rajasthan, 17th century, in the National Museum, New Delhi. This example lacks its mail fall (camail) but for the segment at the brow and its nasal bar. The skull can be readily polished and etched to bring out the watered steel pattern. The gold koftgari is virtually complete and uniformly strong and bright, an exceptional feature in a fine and rare helmet.
