Close-Helmet
Not on view
The bowl of this helmet is the sole surviving fragment of a rare etched and gilt Italian close-helmet "in the German style" (alla tedesca). The term refers to the channeled surfaces, or fluting, a decorative treatment characteristic of German armors of 1510 to 1530 (acc. nos. 29.158.1a, 14.25.515, 04.3.242) that was enthusiastically imitated by Italian armorers. Struck at the back are two armorer's marks: an unusual monogram comprising the letters P and I suporting a T (?) on a crossbar and a two-towered castle––perhaps the marks of the da Castello family of Brescia. After about 1520, for reasons unknown, Italian armorers generally discontinued the time-honored practice of marking their wares; thus, the workshop of origin of few armors made after that date can be identified. The roped comb is a feature dating after about 1515. The bevor and nape plates are modern additions.
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