A FINE ITALIAN CUIRASSIER’S CLOSE HELMET C.1620

Height 10”. The skull in two pieces with riveted seam roped on the crest and flanked by incised lines. The decoration continued on the visor ridge. All the elements with matching line borders. The upper and lower visors and bevor with common pivots. Two roped edge neck plates. This helmet is of superior quality to most of the period and further distinguished by its fine condition with original surfaces having been blued, The blue now faded and gone but as made and not repolished at any time. The interior is uniform in color and character and retains much of its original lining leathers. Helmets of this type were worn with three quarter armor, by horsemen, including the personal guards of nobles and monarchs. A distinguished example, offered here for the first time.