Western Europe, England, Anglo-Saxon, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A great Anglo-Saxon iron helmet comprised of two wide lateral panels attached with several rivets along a raised, hollow iron crest. The helmet is accompanied by an ovoid ear flap with a curved attachment panel on top as well as several petite perforations. Anglo Saxon helmets, like Danish and Viking examples, had a conical shape in order to protect the wearer's head by deflecting direct blows. The most expensive helmets, used by kings and nobles, were made entirely of steel and iron while less expensive examples had an iron 'skeleton' to which panels of animal horn, hard leather, or even wood were affixed. The face, cheeks, and neck of the wearer were protected by additional elements formed from hammered iron plates or other dense materials. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 9.875" L x 7.6" W x 5.5" H (25.1 cm x 19.3 cm x 14 cm)
The Saxons were fierce, bearded warriors who fought with a ruthless and unreserved attack style that intimidated many, even the Romans. Anglo-Saxon society revolved around warfare. Freemen were automatically warriors and were expected to fight from early adolescence. Teenage boys were often taken into a chieftain's household to be trained as warriors. Anglo-Saxon warriors were equipped with javelins and throwing axes as well as swords and shields. In particular a "scramasax" - a single-bladed dagger - was used for close-quarter fighting. Gesiths (serving-men and companions to the king) fought for their hlaford (lord/ breadgiver). Freemen were rewarded for their military service with (at first generally temporary) grants of land. The need to obtain more land for distribution encouraged policies of conquest, and the kings of Wessex were particularly successful because they were able to expand into Cornish territory. One of the most legendary was Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex from 871 to 899, who defended his kingdom against the Viking attempt at conquest and by the time of his demise had become the dominant ruler of England. For these reasons, he was the only English monarch accorded the epithet "the Great". The epithet was retained by succeeding generations of Parliamentarians and empire-builders who saw Alfred's patriotism, success against barbarism, promotion of education and establishment of the rule of law as supporting their own ideals.
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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#150511
Condition
Helmet repaired from multiple pieces, with extensive restoration to several lateral and interior areas, and thick stabilization material visible along underside. Ear flap has small losses to peripheries, and helmet has several areas of loss as shown. Heavy encrustations, pitting, and oxidation across both components. Great patina throughout.