British WWII 'Tommy's' Helmet

Comprising three belt mounts later remounted onto brown leather comprising: a rectangular strap end with rounded terminal, decorated with granulated borders, lozenges and chevrons; two roughly D-shaped mounts with apex flourish and waisted sides, also decorated with granulated lozenges and chevrons. 26.5 grams, 12.2 cm long

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.

This type of belt element decorated with granulation, is present in the Avar graves of the second half of the 7th century, and was most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts (tomb of Kunbàboni) or spoils of war. They were part of multiple belts, to which sabers and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 7th and 8th centuries AD.

Comprising four bolts with lanceolate-pyramidal heads. 166 grams total, 68-88 mm



From a private European collection, formed in the 1980s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

Comprising a pivoting visor, one piece skull raising to a small medial comb and fitted at the nape with a plume holder, flower-shaped pivots, front and rear gorget formed of a single plate. 3.9 kg, 37 cm high



The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

The helmet is a reproduction of a foot-combat helm, or great bascinet, used between the end of 15th and the first half of 16th century in the battles and tournaments. A similar helmet is that of Sir Giles Capel (1485-1556), a prominent figure at Henry VIII's court. These helmets were characterised by a unique rounded pierced visor with (here 60) slots for sight and ventilation. Helmets of this massive size and distinctive type were intended for foot-combat, a sporting contest fought by two fully armoured warriors armed with poleaxes, spears or swords. However, in this reproduction the visor has been mounted upon a separated collar.