A heavy North Italian Savoyard helmet, circa 1600
The heavy skull forged in two pieces, with a flat, turned comb, the neck guard forged as one piece. The pivoted peak with two semi-circular eye holes. The pivoted, slightly ridged visor plate with round, turned eye openings. Horizontal slotted mouth opening. Pivoted bevor, the face opening with a finely turned and roped edge. Riveted collar plate. Light pitting on the surfaces. Height 30 cm, weight 4,489 g.
The helmet "Savoyard" was named after the unsuccessful siege of the city of Geneva by the Duke of Savoy in 1602, during which the Swiss managed to capture large quantities of these helmets. They are often referred to as death's head helmets on account of the round eye openings. See also: Godoy, Josef A., Les armets savoyards du Musée d'art et d'histoire de Geneve, Geneva 2002.
Condition: II -