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Famous helmet which became a bowler.

Kettle hat, of iron, made of one piece with a narrow, even brim and a section of comb at the apex. Round the upper part of the brim is a series of lining rivet holes, some still retaining rivets. Low at either side of the skull is a set of two riv...


Armor of Infante Luis, Prince of Asturias (1707–1724)

  Possibly the last royal armor made in Europe, this is believed to have been presented to the five-year-old Infante Luis (1707–1724), prince of Asturias, by his great-grandfather Louis XIV of France (1638–1715, reigned f...


Foot-Combat Armor of Prince-Elector Christian I of Saxony (reigned 1586–91)

This is one of a set of twelve matching armors for use in foot combat commissioned in 1591 by Sophie of Brandenburg as a Christmas gift for her husband, Christian I (reigned 1586–91). These armors are among the last commissions of Anton...


1485 Yorkist man-at-arms, Battle of Bosworth

  1 Long boots 2 Hat with a pewter badge for civilian wear 3 Sallet helmet that protected the face 4 Gorget 5 & 6 Paldrons – to protect the shoulder; the left one is bigger because the left side was the defe...


1244 mounted knight, Siege of Jerusalem

  1244 mounted knight, Siege of Jerusalem 1 Gonfanon – a banner that was used after the Norman conquest and displayed on the end of a spear or flag pole 2 Kettle helmet - broad brimmed with lots of ventilation and good ...


Jousting Armor (Rennzeug) and Matching Half-Shaffron

Jousting Armor (Rennzeug) and Matching Half-Shaffron

This armor was intended for use in the Scharfrennen, a joust fought in an open field by two contestants mounted on horses and armed with relatively sharp lances. The sport remained popular at the court of the prince-electors of Saxony long af...


Harquebusier's Armor of Pedro II, King of Portugal (reigned 1683–1706) with Buff Coat

This armor can be identified by its decoration as having belonged to Pedro II (reigned 1683–1706). The decoration includes the crowned monogram PR for Pedro Rex (Pedro the King) and the cross of the commander of the Order of Christ, a heredi...


Sallet alla Veneziana

Sallet alla Veneziana

In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, armor was frequently decorated using fabric coverings, gilt metal appliqués, and even jewels. Sallets covered with red velvet and decorated with gilt mounts were especially popular in Venice and co...


Feudalism and Knights in Medieval Europe

Feudalism and Knights in Medieval Europe

From the ninth to the early eleventh centuries, invasions of the Magyars from the east, Muslims from the south, and Vikings from the north struck western Europe. This unrest ultimately spurred greater unity in England and Germany, but in northern ...


The Anglo Saxon Broken Back Seax

The Anglo Saxon Broken Back Seax

The Anglo Saxon Broken Back Seax       A selection of 11th Century Anglo Saxon seaxes   Swords were enormously expensive weapons 1,500 years ago, and the Anglo Saxon warriors of those times needed a...


Elements of a Light-Cavalry Armor

Elements of a Light-Cavalry Armor

This is a rare example of Italian armor decorated with fluted surfaces in the German fashion. Its etched and richly gilt decoration is derived from Christian symbolism and the Bible. The band across the top of the breastplate depicts the Virgin an...


American Helmet Model No. 8

American Helmet Model No. 8

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company (American, founded 1903) Date: 1918 Culture: American Medium: Steel, leather, felt, canvas, bronze, pigment, sawdust Dimensions: H. 9 in. (22.9 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm);...


Horse Armor of Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, for use in the field

Horse Armor of Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, for use in the field

Made by the armorer Wilhelm von Worms the Elder, German (active Nuremberg), master in 1499, died 1538 Geography: Made in Nuremberg, Germany, Europe Date: 1507 Medium: Embossed, etched, and partially blued and gilded steel; brass; lea...


Documenting the dynamics of swords (Necessary measurements)

Documenting the dynamics of swords (Necessary measurements)

Necessary measurements   Measuring pivot points as accurately as possible is essential in order to acquire reliable information about mass distribution. Pivot points occur in pairs and are an effect of the rotational inertia of th...


Documenting the dynamics of swords (Effects of mass distribution)

Documenting the dynamics of swords (Effects of mass distribution)

The quality of a sword is often described by its metallurgical properties: the purity of the steel and the sharpness, hardness and resiliency of the blade. These are naturally important qualities for a weapon but the way it behaves when put in mot...


Helm for the Joust of Peace

Helm for the Joust of Peace

Date: ca. 1500 Geography: probably Nuremberg Culture: German, probably Nuremberg Medium: Steel, copper alloy Dimensions: H. 17 3/4 in. (45 cm); W. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); D. 18 in. (45.7 cm); Wt. 17 lb. 14 oz...


Armor Garniture of King Henry VIII of England (reigned 1509–47)

Armor Garniture of King Henry VIII of England (reigned 1509–47)

This is the earliest dated armor from the royal workshops at Greenwich, which were established in 1515 by Henry VIII (reigned 1509–47) to produce armors for himself and his court. It is also the earliest surviving Greenwich garniture, an arm...


Armor of Henry II, King of France (reigned 1547–59)

Armor of Henry II, King of France (reigned 1547–59)

This is one of the most elaborate and complete French parade armors, and it retains much of its original coloring. The surfaces are covered by dense foliate scrolls inhabited by human figures and a variety of fabulous creatures that derive from th...


German ,  Triple-Combed Open Burgonet

German , Triple-Combed Open Burgonet

German , perhaps Augsburg  Triple-Combed Open Burgonet about 1550–1555 steel with restored leather strap and buckle 27.9 × 45.7 × 31.8 cm (11 × 18 × 12 1/2 in.), 4 lb 10 oz (weight) Deep ...


"Bracelet" Cowter

"Bracelet" Cowter

German  "Bracelet" Cowter about 1560 steel with black paint 19 × 11 × 18 cm (7 1/2 × 4 5/16 × 7 1/16 in.), 12 oz (weight) The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection  Blackened wit...


Close Helmet with Mask Visor in Form of a Human Face

Close Helmet with Mask Visor in Form of a Human Face

Armorer: Attributed to Kolman Helmschmid (German, Augsburg 1471–1532) Date: ca. 1515 Geography: Augsburg Culture: German, Augsburg Medium: Steel, gold Dimensions: H. 12 in. (30.5 cm); W. 9 3/...


Helmet (Spangenhelm)

Helmet (Spangenhelm)

Date: 6th–7th century Culture: Byzantine or Germanic Medium: Iron, copper alloy, gold Dimensions: H. 8 9/16 in. (21.8 cm); Diam. 7 13/16 in. (19.9 cm); Wt. 2 lb. (907 g) This helmet comes from a small group of closely related...


Armor Garniture of George Clifford

Armor Garniture of George Clifford

Armor Garniture of George Clifford (1558–1605), Third Earl of Cumberland Armorer: Made under the direction of Jacob Halder (British, master armorer at the royal workshops at Greenwich, documented in England 1558–1608) Date...


The Function of Armor in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

The Function of Armor in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Although today appreciated as works of art or as examples of historical technology, it must be noted that all armor, whether used in warfare, tournaments, or parades, once had a “working lifetime.” Often these objects have been subject...


"Mitten" Gauntlet

"Mitten" Gauntlet

late 15th–early 16th century steel 28cm L x 11cm cuff diameter; 12 oz (weight) The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection   Steel, for left hand. Short tubular cuff with plain, turned edge. Wrist end of cuff with buckle-...


Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) Marshal of Lithuania

Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) Marshal of Lithuania

Armorer: Kunz Lochner (German, Nuremberg, 1510–1567) Date: ca. 1555; probably repainted and eye guards restored later Geography: Nuremberg Culture: German, Nuremberg Medium: Steel, brass, gold, paint ...


14th Century Armoured Horseman

14th Century Armoured Horseman

The horseman is completely clad in mail armour with a steel skull cap on his head. He wears a sleeveless robe on top which is close fitting around the chest and is girded very high in the waste. The rich folds suggest a very wide skirt, much like ...


Horse Armor Made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg (1521–1553)

Horse Armor Made for Johann Ernst, Duke of Saxony-Coburg (1521–1553)

Armorer: Kunz Lochner (German, Nuremberg, 1510–1567) Date: dated 1548 Geography: Nuremberg Culture: German, Nuremberg Medium: Steel, leather, copper alloy, textile Dimensions: Wt. including s...


Multi-Plate Helmet

Multi-Plate Helmet

Date: possibly 14th–16th century Culture: Mongolian or Tibetan Medium: Iron, silver, gold, brass or copper alloy Dimensions: H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); W. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); D. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 9.7...


Indian  Zaghnal (war hammer)

Indian Zaghnal (war hammer)

18th–19th century. Steel and silver with traces of gilding 57.2 × 23.5 cm (22 1/2 × 9 1/4 in.), 1 lb, 12 oz (weight) The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection Circular section steel shaft of 3 centrally bolted stages...


Infantry Shield (Pavise)

Infantry Shield (Pavise)

Date: ca. 1450 Geography: possibly Chomutov Culture: Bohemian, possibly Chomutov (now Czech Republic) Medium: Wood, leather, gesso, silver foil, polychromy Dimensions: H. 42 1/2 in. (107.95 cm); W. 20 1/2 i...


Helmet with Aventail

Helmet with Aventail

Date: late 15th–16th century Culture: Turkish, in the style of Turkman armor Medium: Steel, iron, silver, copper alloy Dimensions: H. including mail 22 in. (55.9 cm); H. excluding mail 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm); Di...


Islamic Arms and Armor

Islamic Arms and Armor

Since its emergence in seventh-century Arabia, the religion of Islam spread rapidly, by swift military conquest and by conversion, throughout the Middle East and North Africa. During the eighth century, large parts of India were Islamized, while M...


Armor for field and tilt, of Count Franz von Teuffenbach (1516-1578)

Armor for field and tilt, of Count Franz von Teuffenbach (1516-1578)

Armor for field and tilt, of Count Franz von Teuffenbach (1516-1578) Stefan Rormoser of Innsbruck (Austrian, active 1554-1565 ) 1554 steel, brass and lampblack with modern leather 181.6 x 78 cm (71 1/2 x 30 11/16 in.); weight: 57 lb. 5 oz....


Kalkan (one-handed shield)

Kalkan (one-handed shield)

Kalkan (one-handed shield) Turkish 1800s wood, textile, leather and brass The John Woodman Higgins Collection 2014.86 These arms are typical of a mounted warrior in the "Sudanic" region of Africa (the belt of grasslands jus...


Fashion in European Armor, 1600–1700

Fashion in European Armor, 1600–1700

Dictated by functionality rather than fashion, armor fell into gradual decline during the seventeenth century, first in quality, later also in quantity. The weight of field armor was greatly increased in order to render it bulletproof against ever...


Fashion in European Armor, 1500–1600

Fashion in European Armor, 1500–1600

At the turn of the fifteenth to the sixteenth century, one of the most startling changes in taste and fashion occurred, which was immediately mirrored in armor and can best be witnessed in the German harness of the period. Through what appears to ...


Tonlet Harness of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Aragon, Castile, Naples, Sicily, and ruler of territories in Burgundy (1500-1558)

Tonlet Harness of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Aragon, Castile, Naples, Sicily, and ruler of territories in Burgundy (1500-1558)

This harness is part of a larger garniture (with exchange pieces) in Madrid's royal armoury. Named for its tonlet, a skirt that protects the wearer, it was used exclusively for unmounted combat in tournaments. It consists of a close helmet, go...


"KD Garniture" Harness of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Aragon, Castile, Naples, Sicily, and ruler of territories in Burgundy (1500-1558)

"KD Garniture" Harness of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Aragon, Castile, Naples, Sicily, and ruler of territories in Burgundy (1500-1558)

This harness for field or tournament is one of the better-known and more elegant examples of the 16th century armourer's craft. Built as a complete harness with pieces of exchange (extra pieces that could replace or be added to the harness for...


"Valladolid Garniture" Tournament Armour of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Aragon, Castile, Naples, Sicily, and ruler of territories in Burgundy (1500-1558)

"Valladolid Garniture" Tournament Armour of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Aragon, Castile, Naples, Sicily, and ruler of territories in Burgundy (1500-1558)

As the grandson of Maximilian I, Charles V had access to the great armour workshop at Augsburg, headed by members of the Helmschmid family. Kolman Helmschid (1471-1532) seems to have been a favorite armourer of Charles V, and several of Charles...


Helmet (Sallet)

Helmet (Sallet)

Helmet (Sallet) Date: late 15th–early 16th century Geography: possibly Granada Culture: Spanish, possibly Granada Medium: Steel, gold, silver, enamel Dimensions: H. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); ...


Techniques of Decoration on Arms and Armor

One important aspect in the study and appreciation of arms and armor is the techniques and methods for their decoration. The wide range of materials used in the creation of these objects is equaled by the varied possibilities for adding to the aes...


Fire Gilding of Arms and Armor

Gilding is the application of gold to the surface of some other material. Many techniques exist for doing this. A surface may be inlaid with gold wire (often referred to as damascening), or overlaid with thin sheets of gold attached mechanically, ...


The Decoration of European Armor

Some of the earliest decorated armor was produced during the Celtic Bronze Age in Great Britain and Ireland, Scandinavia, and the area of modern-day France, Germany, and Austria. Especially famous are the shields found at Battersea and Winchelsea,...


The Decoration of Arms and Armor

With few exceptions, arms and armor of virtually all periods and from all the world’s cultures were decorated to varying degrees. The desire to embellish objects of everyday and special use was naturally extended to those that served such im...


Feudalism and Knights in Medieval Europe

  From the ninth to the early eleventh centuries, invasions of the Magyars from the east, Muslims from the south, and Vikings from the north struck western Europe. This unrest ultimately spurred greater unity in England and Germany, but i...


The Function of Armor in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Although today appreciated as works of art or as examples of historical technology, it must be noted that all armor, whether used in warfare, tournaments, or parades, once had a “working lifetime.” Often these objects have been subject...


Arms and Armor in Medieval Europe

European warriors of the early Middle Ages used both indigenous forms of military equipment and arms and armor derived from late Roman types. One of the most widely used types of helmet was the Spangenhelm. Body armor was usually either a short-sl...


Fashion in European Armor, 1400–1500

At the beginning of this period, by about 1420, the development of full plate armor a defense enclosing almost the entire body with a system of steel plates articulated by rivets and leather straps was complete. Regional and national fashions in c...


Fashion in European Armor, 1300–1400

In terms of the technical development of European armor, the fourteenth century is often referred to as the “age of experimentation.” Mail armor was being reinforced with a range of additional defenses of varying shapes and constructio...


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