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Front Half of a Tournament Helm

ca. 1510–20
Not on view
Constructed of two sturdy plates of steel capable of withstanding the blow of an opponent's blunted lance, this front half of a helm for the joust was originally secured by pivots to the rear half (now missing) of lighter metal. The helm was bolted to the jouster's cuirass, thus rendering the head and torso rigid. The large ventilation opening on the right side is protected by a thick flange. Similar helms are recorded in English churches; this one is reputed to have come from Battle Abbey, Sussex. Traces of an armorer's mark, apparently an M surmounted by a crescent, which is thought to be that of Guillem Margot (active in Brussels, recorded 1505–20), are evident on the left side (only the tips of the crescent are discernible). The same mark appears on other armor parts in the Metropolitan Museum's collection, acc. nos. 14.25.572, 29.158.1h, 29.158.38, and 29.158.52.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Front Half of a Tournament Helm
  • Date: ca. 1510–20
  • Geography: East Sussex
  • Culture: Anglo-Flemish
  • Medium: Steel, leather
  • Dimensions: H. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm); W. 10 in. (25.4 cm); D. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); Wt. 9 lb. 11.2 oz. (4399.8 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.572
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Helm for the Joust of Peace (<i>Stechhelm</i>), Steel, copper alloy, German, probably Nuremberg
Helm for the Joust of Peace (Stechhelm)
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Foot-Combat Helm of Sir Giles Capel (1485–1556), Steel, possibly British
Foot-Combat Helm of Sir Giles Capel (1485–1556)
possibly British
ca. 1510
Turban Helmet, Steel, gold, silver, Iranian
Turban Helmet
Iranian
late 15th century
Helmet (Sallet), Steel, iron, gold, silver, cloisonné enamel, leather, textile, Spanish, possibly Granada
Helmet (Sallet)
Spanish, possibly Granada
late 15th–early 16th century
Armet, LIONARDO Italian, Steel, copper alloy, Italian, probably Milan
Armet
LIONARDO
ca. 1440

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