Pikeman's Helmet
ca. 1620 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This helmet, characterised by its deep bowl and wide, slightly turned-down brim, is of a type worn by pikemen, soldiers armed with pikes who were used as a defence against cavalry. This form of helmet was popular from the first decade of the 17th century up to the Civil War of 1642-1646 and large numbers have been preserved in arsenals and armouries.
Materials & Making
This helmet was almost certainly made in London. Although the fact that it was made from two separate pieces is usually taken to be an indication of a lack of skill on the armoury's part, it is quite difficult to make the separate halves fit together satisfactorily.
Decoration
The decoration consists of formalised leaves and a series of rivet heads arranged in rows. The edge is turned over a wire. The wide turned-down brim was intended to protect the face from sword cuts. The helmet would have had a padded lining held by rivets and two embossed steel ear-flaps attached inside the brim to protect the ears.
This helmet, characterised by its deep bowl and wide, slightly turned-down brim, is of a type worn by pikemen, soldiers armed with pikes who were used as a defence against cavalry. This form of helmet was popular from the first decade of the 17th century up to the Civil War of 1642-1646 and large numbers have been preserved in arsenals and armouries.
Materials & Making
This helmet was almost certainly made in London. Although the fact that it was made from two separate pieces is usually taken to be an indication of a lack of skill on the armoury's part, it is quite difficult to make the separate halves fit together satisfactorily.
Decoration
The decoration consists of formalised leaves and a series of rivet heads arranged in rows. The edge is turned over a wire. The wide turned-down brim was intended to protect the face from sword cuts. The helmet would have had a padded lining held by rivets and two embossed steel ear-flaps attached inside the brim to protect the ears.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Steel |
| Brief description | Arms and armour |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
This helmet has not been made from a single plate but with two separate halves welded together, an indication of a decline of the armourer's art. Simple forms of decoration were often used to disguise the horizontal seam.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by G. H. Ramsbottom |
| Object history | Made in England |
| Summary | Object Type This helmet, characterised by its deep bowl and wide, slightly turned-down brim, is of a type worn by pikemen, soldiers armed with pikes who were used as a defence against cavalry. This form of helmet was popular from the first decade of the 17th century up to the Civil War of 1642-1646 and large numbers have been preserved in arsenals and armouries. Materials & Making This helmet was almost certainly made in London. Although the fact that it was made from two separate pieces is usually taken to be an indication of a lack of skill on the armoury's part, it is quite difficult to make the separate halves fit together satisfactorily. Decoration The decoration consists of formalised leaves and a series of rivet heads arranged in rows. The edge is turned over a wire. The wide turned-down brim was intended to protect the face from sword cuts. The helmet would have had a padded lining held by rivets and two embossed steel ear-flaps attached inside the brim to protect the ears. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.2812-1931 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
