Pikeman's Helmet thumbnail 1

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.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Steel
Brief description
Arms and armour
Dimensions
  • Height: 22cm
  • Width: 42.3cm
  • Depth: 30cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 12/04/2000 by DW
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
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.
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

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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