Newest Helmet - 16th Century Cabasset

Peter_Suciu

Peter_Suciu

Well-known member
I won this helmet at a recent auction. It is an Italian Cabasset from the 16th century. This pattern helmet is an offshoot of the Morion helmets that were worn by the Spanish and English around the same time.

Cabasset1_zpsgsdivfdr.jpg


Cabasset4_zpsqsj1smcv.jpg


Cabasset3_zpsjeekauxs.jpg


Cabasset5_zpso3ks0h7w.jpg


Cabasset2_zpsb9iatwfk.jpg
 
When you consider that millions of M1916 and later model helmets were made, and what they are going for now, it is hard to imagine how one of these could be found or afforded. Very nice.
 
that one is in great condition
never saw one of these
on these helmets witch sort of interior has it
could you post pic on that one

jonas
 
kaiser said:
that one is in great condition
never saw one of these


jonas
Click to expand...

Jonas,did you ever visit this wing of the Brussels Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History ?

 
Actually I don't believe these are quite as rare as you might think, and these helmets were produced at a time when there was an appreciation for the past. These helmets probably stayed in the armories of the Italian city states and then eventually ended up in castles, museums, etc. One thing that is worth noting is that in the 19th century there was a great appreciation for all things medieval across Europe. These items probably were sold off from the armories as some of the earliest "military surplus" to wealthy landowners.

The economic crashes in Europe at the end of the 19th century saw a period where many newly wealthy Americans bought items. That is why the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art has such a fine collection of armor - arguably the best outside of Europe. Dr. Bashford Dean, who later helped develop some of the American WWI era experimental steel helmets, bought up collections across Europe and introduced wealthy Americans to this fascination in the medieval.

I do believe this was forged from a single piece of steel. There is no liner. These were worn over cap cloths instead. This was probably because it was determined that any leather liner would likely wear out and caps could be more easily replaced. These helmets were expensive to make so these belonged not to the soldier but the local lord or city and would be returned when not in use.

Here is a photo of the interior:
Cabasset6_zpsryklwp4e.jpg
 
#ed
i have yet never been to the army museum in brussels
i know in future i want to go there
i read somwere that the wo 1wing is closed due to maintenance
wen it opens again i might go there

jonas
 
Peter: Thanks. I've always thought the same. Being an armor maker, I like to raise all of my helmets, while others weld halves for speed, or even claiming that's how it was done (I don't believe that). so, thanks for the info and photo. Some skilled steel workers back then!

Ed: I was to the museum, but didn't see that! ](*,) ](*,) ](*,) ](*,) ](*,) ](*,)

:D Ron
 
Ron ,
The mediaevals are in wing C, but I know it is a labyrinth without a guide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9zuTJ4_Fkk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
I almost bought one of these once from Kube. As you say they were not that expensive however they are impressive.
 
I'd say 99% of folks wouldn't have the first clue about telling an original from a modern copy...me included!
 
glenn66 said:
I'd say 99% of folks wouldn't have the first clue about telling an original from a modern copy...me included!
Click to expand...

Modern copies are easy. The weight is all wrong, the forging techniques are easy enough to spot. The metal looks and even smells different. Modern copies are always polished and tend to be too light.

No, what are a bigger concern are the Victorian copies. Again weight is usually an issue. The copies in the Victorian era were meant to be displayed, but these have the patina and age and the metal is closer to what was real. I have a 17th century Zischagge ("Lobstertail helmet") of the style used in the English Civil War. My helmet was likely repaired at some point in the 19th century. The work is good but it isn't quite right. Still for the price it was a nice example.

I'm not an armor expert but I continue to learn, and once you hold a few of these true vintage pieces you can tell what is old from what is new. This original Cabasset is heavy. I can't imagine how the soldiers wore this for long periods of time. It must have been awful.
 
I'd imagine it's much heavier than a US steel pot (M1) and I remember how sore my neck was in basic training as we got used to wearing that thing. However, that was nothing compared to body armor. The war zone SAPI (or however that's spelled) was murder because the plates were not only flat, but a bit convex... damn!

:D Ron
 
poniatowski said:
I'd imagine it's much heavier than a US steel pot (M1) and I remember how sore my neck was in basic training as we got used to wearing that thing.
Click to expand...

It is among the heaviest helmets I own and not well balanced either. The balance is probably as much of a problem as the weight!
 
Great helmet! =D>
On my list too!
Had some nice one's in hand yesterday...but not the cash for them... #-o
 
Great find Peter, congratulations! =D> :bravo:

I remember handling several different old armor helmets the late Eric Johansson used to have. Those were some cool items that I wished could tell us where and what they've seen over the centuries.

Best Regards,

Alan
 
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