Untouched Cabasset

[AHorsa]

Hello,

today I got this Cabasset in a bit unusual shape. Its height is 21cm, weight is 1120g.
It seems that it still has its original blackening (as far as I can judge) and to be "untouched". Sadly most of the brass buttons are missing as well as the biggest part of the feather holder.

What do you think how to date it? ~1600 or earlier / later?

Shall I give it some treatment with a bit of oil or leave it as it is? Also conerning the regions of delamination.

Kind regards
Andreas

[Kmaddock]

Lovely Item, well done.
I would leave as is personally.

I can and do repair items http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26784 but for this I would see no point as I would not want to take it back to original shape with the brass fittings etc. I would be able to give it a good go but it will never be right and your eye will always be drawn to the repair.

Even to oil would not help in my mind as it is stable and oil would not serve any real purpose.

Leaving items a month before doing anything is one of my rules, fools rush in (me being the fool on many an occasion in my past, before i learned a bit of patience)

Keep well,

Ken

[AHorsa]

Hi Ken,

thanks for your comment. Only think I take into account is to replace the brass buttons (reversible). The traces of wear I wouldn´t touch. Concerning the oil I guess you are right - as long as it is stored in a dry environment, nothing will happen I guess.
Is this also true for the delamination?

Very nice work you show in the linked thread!

Originally Posted by Kmaddock

Leaving items a month before doing anything is one of my rules, fools rush in (me being the fool on many an occasion in my past, before i learned a bit of patience)

Yes, I guess that is a lessons that most of us collectors had to learn in the beginning of their career

Cheerio
Andreas

[fernando]

May i doubt that an item made of plain iron stays stable, out of rust; you should see how fast rust atacks in humid environments ... like in mine, for one. Besides, i guess, oiling a piece gives it a less dull look ... and does no harm, i'd say.
I agree that giving this cabasset an original look by adding back countless components might be senseless but, recreating a sole detail like a PLUME HOLDER would give it back some grace .
... And you may of course take month to reach for decision ... right Ken ? .

[AHorsa]

I disagree I think replacing the brass fittings (and of course the plum holder ) would give it back its original countenance. And in case that the amount of replacements disturbs, they can be removed without a trace. But that of course is subjective (and a lot of work).

If I oil it, is there any risk that the oil undermines the delaminated areas an increase delamination?

What do you think how to date the helmet? It was found in Bavaria - would this fit its origin?

Cheers
Andreas

Update: I just found the copy of a book page in Fernando´s thread #7 here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=cabasset Looking at this I think mine corresponds No 9 which is dated 1st half 16th century. Can it really be so early?

[fernando]

Originally Posted by AHorsa

... Update: I just found the copy of a book page in Fernando´s thread #7 here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=cabasset Looking at this I think mine corresponds No 9 which is dated 1st half 16th century. Can it really be so early?

Yes Andreas, most certainly .

[Dmitry]

Originally Posted by Kmaddock

Lovely Item, well done.
I would leave as is personally.

I can and do repair items http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26784 but for this I would see no point as I would not want to take it back to original shape with the brass fittings etc. I would be able to give it a good go but it will never be right and your eye will always be drawn to the repair.

Even to oil would not help in my mind as it is stable and oil would not serve any real purpose.

Leaving items a month before doing anything is one of my rules, fools rush in (me being the fool on many an occasion in my past, before i learned a bit of patience)

Keep well,

Ken

This post should be made a sticky. Best advice ever.
i wouldn't touch a thing about this helmet. Adding rivets, etc. to this piece would only make its appearance much less honest.
If, however, an urge to fix something antique is too strong, go wash your wife's car or paint a fence in your yard. That usually takes care of my 'restoration' urges.