EARLY 17th CENTURY GERMAN TOTENKOPF “DEATH’S-HEAD”

A FINE 30 YEARS WAR PERIOD/EARLY 17th CENTURY GERMAN TOTENKOPF “DEATH’S-HEAD” CLOSED-HELMET, ca. 1620 : In overall fine condition. Of typical, early 17th century German “Munitions-Grade” design; and of Two (2) piece construction with a hand riveted medial seam, wire-borders, round-head rivets and its original conical Plume-Holder, on the rear of the bowl. A matching neck defense, gorget and hinged visor with their original bosses and cut-washers. The crown pf the bowl with a defined crest and a tight medial lap-seam. The inner surface with lightly forge-roughened, untouched, steel surfaces and a deeply toned russet age-patina with traces of old blackened finish. Generally smooth, steel-gray outer surfaces with evident forge/hammer-marks and minor surface-laminations. Of 17th Century/30 Years War Period, ca. 1620 with its two (2) piece, hinged, visor/face-defense with its original side-mounted locking-hook: the borders with wire edges, en suite with the brim of the bowl. Of “Munitions/Field-Grade” and in fine condition with generally smooth steel-gray surfaces and the expected signs of military use and wear. Some minor surface discoloration and light scattered pitting. A fine example of a 17th Century Mounted Knight’s/Cavalry Officer’s Closed Helmet, ca. 1620. Of Totenkopf/Death’s-Head form with a stylized visor and matching face-defense. The type of Late Period European Armor often worn with a ¾ Suit of Armour. Also of the style used in the New World-- with similar examples found at various Colonial American Settlements. For similar examples & additional information, please see Harold L. Peterson’s: “Arms and Armor in Colonial America 1526-1783”, pg. 117, plt. 129. www.ambroseantiques.com