Western Europe, Great Britain, English Civil War, ca. 1642 to 1651 CE. A wonderful example of a hammered steel lobster-tail helmet known as "zischagge" (when used on the Continent), a type of head protection used by cavalry in the Thirty Years War (1618 to 1648) as well as the English Civil War. The dome is composed of a singular hemisphere with several raised ribs radiating from the center, a crested frontal brow attached via rivets, and an adjustable nose guard with a threaded lock screw. The back of the helmet features a riveted 'lobster-tail' brim - hence the name - with four large lames attached with rivets to give extra protection to one's neck. A pair of triangular ear flaps is adhered inside the helmet. The style was inspired by the "chichak" of the Ottoman Turks, worn by them in the late 16th century (and the German name for it is derived from the Turkish). Display head for photography purposes only. Size: 18" L x 10.25" W x 10.25" H (45.7 cm x 26 cm x 26 cm)

During the English Civil War, this type of helmet was known as a "horseman's pot" or a "three-barred pot"; "lobster tail" is a later name for it. The cavalry at the time, called harquebusiers (because they carried a carbine called a harquebus), wore these helmets along with a breastplate and a backplate. It was worn by cavalrymen on both sides of the war, the Roundheads (Cromwell's Ironside cavalry) and the Cavaliers (supporters of King Charles I). There is an order signed by Charles from 1642 asking for "thirty-three potts" to be used by his own troop of horses. These helmets doubtless found their ways into the various petty conflicts on the European continent following the end of the Civil War, when many of Cromwell's soldiers became mercenaries for hire.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired between 2005 and 2007

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#154849

Both ear flaps reattached to interior surface via adhesive strips. Helmet has been professionally cleaned. Minor abrasions to exterior and interior surfaces, with slight bending to nose bar, light encrustations, and very slight bending to overall form of front brim and lobster tail. Great patina throughout. Nose bar screw still unscrews with ease.