the-wicked-knight:

1)Attributed to Kolman Helmschmid, German, 1470–1532 Equestrian Armor of Maximilian I, Augsburg, c. 1517–1518 openwork, embossed, etched, and gilt steel; fabric and leather Patrimonio Nacional, Real Armería, Madrid.

2)Close Helmet with Mask Visor Attributed to Kolman Helmschmid (German, Augsburg, 1471–1532) Date: about 1515.

3)Equestrian armor (Küriss) for field and tournament. Atributed toKolman Helmschmid. Date:about 1526.

hard-sophoclean-light:

The Griffon Helm, around 1540. Italy.

This bourguignotte is a typical, though marvelously crafted, example of how Mannerism is reflected in arms and armour.

Elaborate decorations and shapes of fantastic animals became common for the parade armour. Griffon, a beast from ancient mythology, was both a tribute to the fascination with antiquity and an animalistic representation of it’s owner’s might and fury. As the visor was raised, the knight became half-man half-beast.

Musée de l’Armée

Easily the creepiest helmet I’ve seen in my armour appreciation life. It even beats this. But not the fanciest of all the Italian bourguignottes, let’s be fair.

lustik:

Hand-Made Helmets - Royal Oak Armoury

romkids:

Tilting helmet.

Means exactly that. You tilt your helmet while jousting to see, then pull your helmet up at the last minute to avoid any eye damage. If you closely you’ll see dents from past tournaments. Overall though, this helmet is in pretty good shape and seems to have belonged to a winner!

The small eye slit helps to reduce the potential of the lance hitting your face or splinters damaging your vision. Or helps to make this helmet useless on the battle field. The tilting helmet would be for fun and games and for use with jousting only. 

This particular helmet is from Germany circa 1570. The dragon detail work is my favourite part.

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Our Mediaeval Fair runs this weekend, September 29/30 2012!