ENGLISH KNIGHT’S CLOSE HELMET C.1560

The original close helmet of an English knight, preserved for centuries as a heraldic achievement above his tomb in a church. The practice was most popular in southeast England and Wales and such helmets are well recorded including in photographs, though few remain in situ. This example has a fine one piece skull drawn up into a line bordered crest, finely formed visor, and upper and lower bevors. The upper bevor is pierced on the right side with circular breaths in a star burst pattern. It is rusted overall with the crest rusted through, from four centuries of exposure to the elements. 10 ½” height.