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Lobster-Tail Burgonet (Zischägge)

ca. 1630–40
Not on view
The term Zischägge refers to a distinctive type of seventeenth-century helmet consisting of a hemispherical bowl, a brim with sliding nosepiece (nasal), cheekpieces, and a long laminated tail over the back of the neck. The German word is a corruption of the Turkish chichak, which refers to a similar helmet used throughout much of the Ottoman world.

Unlike most Zischägge, which were relatively simple, this example has a finely fluted and ribbed bowl with a baluster finial at the top, and surfaces that are blued and gilt. It also has its original leather lining in the bowl, brim, tail, and cheekpieces.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Lobster-Tail Burgonet (Zischägge)
  • Date: ca. 1630–40
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Steel, gold, brass, leather, textile
  • Dimensions: H. including nasal 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm); H. excluding nasal 11 in. (27.9 cm); W. 10 in. (25.4 cm); D. 16 in. (40.6 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 2 oz. (1880 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.511
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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