Tournament Helm (Kolbenturnierhelm)
This extremely rare helmet was intended for the tournament fought by groups of mounted combatants armed with clubs (Kolben) or blunted swords. The helmet is formed from an iron framework covered by canvas and gesso impressed with a floral design based on textile patterns. Due to the fragile nature of the raised gesso decoration, very few of these helmets survive. At the rear is the coat of arms of the von Stein family, which here appears as three black wolf traps on a white shield.
Artwork Details
- Title: Tournament Helm (Kolbenturnierhelm)
- Date: 1450–1500
- Culture: German
- Medium: Steel, textile, leather, gesso, polychromy
- Dimensions: H. 19 5/8 in. (49.8 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); D. 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm); Wt. 12 lb. 10 oz. (5727 g)
- Classification: Helmets
- Credit Line: Gift of Christian A. Zabriskie, 1940
- Object Number: 40.135.3
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
German
ca. 1450
Peter Peck
Ambrosius Gemlich
ca. 1540–45
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