A EUROPEAN LOBSTERTAIL HELMET C.1630-50.

This extraordinary helmet is distinguished by its original finish which is preserved throughout. It was likely produced for service in the Thirty Years’ War then served again in the English Civil War as a great many did. It has been in England for as long as can be determined. The surface is a uniform brown color as is produced from faded blue suggesting that it was blued overall originally. The material is rolled steel and skull bears the original hammer marks on the exterior, necessary to produce the hemispherical form. Additionally significant are surface irregularities to all elements caused by surface bonding to the mill rollers, an effect of small rollers which necessitated a higher rolling temperature. In an other than pristine example, those blemishes would erroneously be attributed to oxidation. Of further interest is the file finishing evident in many areas and is so well preserved that it is clear that the finisher was right handed. The interior retains it original articulating and lining leathers. As with most surviving examples, the cheek pieces have been lost. Truly a time capsule for the serious enthusiast and worthy of publication.