Close-Helmet

British or Flemish

Not on view

The prow-like lower visor of this helmet is the most recognizable characteristic of a distinctive style that was made about the middle of the sixteenth century in either England or Flanders. This particular helmet is interesting because it was later adapted and reused as a funerary achievement, meaning that it was hung in a church above the tomb of a gentleman. Indicators of this are the painted decoration and the relatively crude spike, designed to hold a crest, piercing the comb at the top. Funerary helmets are rare, particularly outside the context of English churches.

Close-Helmet, Steel, polychromy, British or Flemish

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Three-quarter