North America, Spanish Colonial Period, Mexico, ca. 17th century CE. A magnificent carbon steel cabasset helmet, a form that originated in Italy and was created from the early 16th to early 17th centuries. While similar to the Spanish morion helmet in that it has a flat brim and a peaked form, it does not share the crest/comb that adorns the Spanish morion and has a "pear stalk" peak and a folded edge rim. Akin to its Spanish counterpart, the cabasset was worn by infantry during the pike and shot formations. The cabasset was also very popular in 16th century England and was used during the English Civil War (22 August 1642 to 3 September 1651). What's more, the Pilgrims took several cabasset helmets to the New World, and one was found on Jamestown Island. Fifteen apertures for rivets encircle the area just above the helmet's rim. Size: 10" L x 8.5" W x 8" H (25.4 cm x 21.6 cm x 20.3 cm); 16.25" H (41.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Two indistinguishable hallmarks or maker's marks can be found on the back rim of this fine example.
Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection
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#160157
Condition
Maker's mark on back. About fourteen petite indentations to exterior. Two chips to rim. Miniscule perforation to front of rim. Expected nicks and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina.