c.16th century Italian made Cabasset Helmet

c.16th century Italian made Cabasset Helmet .
A fine well preserved example worn as worn in the later 1500's , a classic piece of armour from the age.

The armour made and used by most of Europe in the 16th and 17th century was either made in Italy or Germany. These two countries were the biggest exporters of this equipment and swords, halberds, and other weapons. England did produce its own in the Tower of London, but it also sourced from the continent as did France. During the civil war the Parliamentary forces controlled the Tower Arsenal and the Royal forces had to source their weapons and armour off shore. Armour was used by the early colonial forces under Cabot, Champlain and others.

This helmet style was a favorite and was common to forces that protected landing parties or the early settlements on the shore of the St Lawrence and James Town.


The all steel helmet has no ear guards, A heavy aweight in that aracteristic almond-shaped skull. Made in Italy with the small fin or flattened stalk finial, shallow guttered brim with turned edge bordered by foliate copper washers and rivets on the crown of the shell. The rivets are all in place but one on base of the shell. It does not detract from the display of this piece. There are still bits of the lining on the interior of the pot. The patina is a wonderful dark grey. The hole in the back of the brim is common feature to these helmets, thought to have a length of rope put through to carry on a long march off the scalp.

Overall VGC. .

Code: 129