Maximilian close helmetfor ID

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by A Senefelder

Constructionally, based on photos of course, I see lots of things I like, the proper hammer marks inside the bowl indicative of being raised from a single piece of steel as well as the marks inside of the flutes from being worked over stakes, cut washers, beveled exposed plate edges, nice old patina. Is there any chance of getting a weight on it? I'm inclined to think, again based only on pics and not having had it in the hand, that you have an excellent original example of a helmet for this classic Maximillian style from the 1530's.

Alan, thank you so much for responding to the original query concerning date/period on this apparently original example of Maximillian helmet.
As someone with only a surface knowledge of armor and helmets of these times, would you mind saying more on the history of these?

Were these solely for jousting, or were these used in battle as well? Did the fluting have a purpose or was it simply decorative? Why the Maximillian term?

[batjka]

What kind of suspension would have been used in such helmets? Surely, there must have been something to keep the head from bouncing inside the helmet.

Have you tried it on?

[CSinTX]

My knowledge of armor is limited but I am intrigued by the pattern of marks all over this helmet. Was this normal for this style? What would be their purpose or origin?

[fernando]

Originally Posted by CSinTX

My knowledge of armor is limited but I am intrigued by the pattern of marks all over this helmet. Was this normal for this style? What would be their purpose or origin?

I am certain that Marcus has made a safe deal and this is not a well built late reproduction, given the price such genuine helmets may cost. Say Marcus, hasn't the seller given you evidence of its authencity ?

[CSinTX]

Originally Posted by fernando

and this is not a well built late reproduction,

Could it be an earlier reproduction? Maybe 19th C? I don't really know, I just found the pattern of the marks interesting.

[Marcus den toom]

It has come to my attention that some people question my original post about the age. As to its provenance, i do not know i bought it at auction without further information other than there assumption it is 19th century.
Some other members told me they know for sure it can't be original, others claim it is.
All i wanted was to verify my own interpretation which differs from auctions most of the time... and i hope that most of you can agree here that auctions don't know everything if anything at all especially about such items as this close helmet.

Please make this a real discussion and not something behind the curtains, because if that is the way things need to go, i am out!

No than, here are some original pieces of armour (as far as i know) with similar markings.

[Marcus den toom]

ps Batjka, Yes i tried it on, but my head is to big.. sadly

The liner would have been something like this is suppose.