Late 16th Century German Nurnberg Close Helmet With Wrought One Piece Skull Circa 1580

A Mid 16th Century German Nurnberg Close Helmet Of Fine Form With Well Wrought One Piece Skull Circa 1550.

Weighing four pounds and eminently wearable this helmet is a classic Germanic helm and is similar in form to the helmets of the renowned German master armorer Anton Peffenhauser.

The skull with low and wide roped comb.pierced with two holes for a crest well struck with the “Eagle of Nurnberg” and a capital “N” clearly visible to the lower left towards the base. Triple lining holes pierced in triangular pattern. Hand wrought lining rivets. The interior showing marks from the armorer’s hammer and portions of ancient leather lining.

Button release for the visor, the elegant visor of “sparrow beak” form with rectangular eye slots above long raised protective ridge. Four rectangular breaths below the eye slots of similar design but wider so the knight could breathe. Two sets of three triangular lower breaths ensuite with the piercings in the skull.

The chin plate of good form and impressive construction. The visor and chin plate showing marks from the armorer’s hammer ensuite with the skull. Two lame gorget plates compliment this fine headpiece which have roped borders.

Condition is exemplary with smooth unpinned surfaces overall. Ancient copper brazed repairs to the point of the visor and further copper brazed repair to one side of the visor only add to the authenticity and homogeneity of this exceptional Nurnberg helmet. One gorget plate loose.

A fine helmet possessing the highly desirable qualities of form, 16th century German town marks, high quality, and very good overall condition.