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Spider Helmet

ca. 1650–1700
Not on view
One of the most bizarre head defenses ever designed, the so-called spider helmet takes its name from the arrangement of narrow bars hinged around the rim of the domed bowl and projecting peak recalling the legs radiating from a spider's body. The hanging bars encircled the head and offered protection against cutting blows from swords. When not in use, the bars were folded up and their ends fitted beneath the spring-held disk at the apex. A turn of the screw at the front released the spring, causing the disk to pop up and the bars to fall into place. The bowl retains its padded lining.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Spider Helmet
  • Date: ca. 1650–1700
  • Culture: British or French
  • Medium: Steel, pigment, textile
  • Dimensions: H. including legs 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); H. excluding legs 7 in. (17.8 cm); W. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); D. 12 in. (30.5 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 11 oz. (2152 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.523
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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