Helmet
MetalworkerMade by
Unknown
Date1620-1670
MediumHand-forged iron and steel, with leather joints
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x height x width ): 13 1/4 x 13 1/4 x 9 7/8in. (33.7 x 33.7 x 25.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Rockwell Gardiner
Description"Lobsterback" helmet, or "burgonet," has six vertical ribs hammered into the dome-shaped head covering; it has a pointed arrowhead-like iron decoration on the top in the center. A pointed visor is attached to the helmet at a perpendicular angle. Through the center of the visor, against the helmet, is an adjustable nose guard--a 5/8-inch-wide strip of iron with a stud at the lower end. The top of the nose guard is hammered into a triangular shape, which extends above the top of the helmet in the manner of a short plume. The nose guard adjusts by way of a screw above the visor. The screw has a heart-shaped grip. Extending from the sides of the helmet are ear guards, which are roughly triangular-shaped. These pieces are punched with seven holes in a circular pattern. They are edged with strips of leather, attached by iron studs. Attached at the back of the helmet is a wide, sloping skirt, constructed of four horizontal strips of steel, hinged with leather held in place with iron studs. The lower piece of this skirt gradually widens towards the center, reaching an apex. The appearance of this skirt is like the overlapping scales of a lobster's back.
Object number1960.1.1
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