A heavy North Italian helmet of Savoyard type, circa

A heavy North Italian helmet of Savoyard type, circa 1600The heavy skull forged in two pieces, with a flat, roped comb, the neck guard forged as one piece. The pivoted peak with two semi-circular eye holes. The pivoted, slightly ridged visor plate with round eye openings and two concealed breathing holes. Small, rectangular mouth opening with engraved moustached and pointed beard. The pivoted bevor with a hook closure on the side and riveted collar plate. Light pitting on the surfaces. Height 29 cm, weight 3851 g.The helmet "of Savoyard type" was named after the unsuccessful siege of the city of Geneva by the Duke of Savoy in 1602, during which the Swiss managed to capture large quantities of these helmets. They are often referred to as death's head helmets on account of the round eye openings. See also: Godoy, Josef A., Les armets savoyards du Musée d'art et d'histoire de Geneve, Geneva 2002.Condition: II -