Red earthenware head partly covered with white slip and with green and clear lead glazes. English, middle of 14th century.

Small bearded male's head wearing a bascinet helmet with a raised visor. Made of red earthenware, covered with greenish-brown and clear glazes, partly over a white slip. The helmet rises to a point and has three perforations. The head bears a large black mustache.

Transferred from the Museum of Practical Geology

Formerly in the Chaffers Collection and then given to the Museum of Practical Geology in Jermyn Street. Transferred to V&A in 1901.
This has been described in the past as possible a child's rattle; however, it is unlikely that a child's toy would be made of such fragile material.
The depiction of a knight bearing a bascinet helmet also does not lend itself to child's play.
It is more likely to have formed the head of a jester's stick.

Numerous potteries were established in England before the Norman Conquest in 1066. The post-Conquest years brought in new shapes and types of decoration. The vessels here date from the later Middle Ages when new potteries were established around London, most importantly at Kingston-upon-Thames and in Cheam. The jugs and pots were used for carrying and dispensing liquids, cooking and storage. They are simply decorated with incised designs, stamped and applied strips and pads of clay, and coloured slips and glazes.

2033-1901