Siege Helmet

ca. 1650–1700

Not on view

Wearing this extremely thick, heavy helmet could not have been comfortable. The adjustable face defense alone weighs almost four pounds. The shallow dent at the front of the bowl is a proofmark. The form of the bowl is curiously archaic, recalling sallets of the fifteenth century (for example, acc. nos. 04.3.230 and 29.158.3a), whereas the sliding nasal––an Oriental innovation––is reversed, so that the enlarged finial has become the principal face defense (see acc. no. 14.25.601 for a typical sliding nasal). The bowl and face defense are both stamped with the number 21, indicating that the helmet was part of a series.

Artwork Details

Title: Siege Helmet
Date: ca. 1650–1700
Culture: French
Medium: Steel
Dimensions: H. 13 (33 cm); W. 8 1/8 in. (20.64 cm); D. 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm); Wt. 22 lb. 6 oz. (10.17 kg)
Classification: Helmets
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Object Number: 14.25.493
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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