DescriptionThis especially attractive and well-preserved turban-shaped helmet is stamped with the mark used in the Ottoman arsenals, indicating that it, like several other turban helmets in the collection, passed into Turkish possession as booty with the Ottoman conquest of Iran and the Caucasus. At least one turban helmet decorated in a style comparable to this example bears the name of Farruhk-Siar (r. 1464–1501), ruler of Shirvan in the Caucasus. Such evidence suggests that the Metropolitan's helmet is also of Shirvan manufacture.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsInscriptions: (on lead button on camail front) Constantinople arsenal Inscribed: (bottom band) 'Throne' or 'chair' verse from Koran (Partial reading of inscription by amnuel Keene, Islamic Dept., 1973)