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Zischägge Helmet

Culture
German
Date
1610–50
made in
Germany, Europe
Classification
Arms & armor, metalwork
Current Location
On View, Gallery 125
Dimensions
13 1/4 x 11 x 15 1/2 in. (33.7 x 27.9 x 39.4 cm)
weight: 3 lb. 2 oz. (1.4 kg)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
312:1925
NOTES
This simple helmet, with large cheekpieces and adjustable nasal guard to defend against sword cuts and flexible neck defense reminiscent of a lobster's tail, was the classic headpiece of European horsemen during the Thirty Years' War (1618–48). Its name is derived from the Slavic/Turkic term shishak, the name for a similarly formed helmet introduced into eastern Europe via the Ottoman Turks. This example is of finer quality than most others, which were left unpolished or painted black to reduce maintenance.
- 1925
Henry Griffith Keasbey, USA

1925/11/27-28 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased at the auction "European Arms and Armor VI-XVII Century: Important Collection of Henry Griffith Keasbey." American Art Association, New York, NY, November 27-28, 1925, lot 136, plate XIV. [1]


Notes:
[1] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 18, 1925.

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