LOT 0968

Medieval Milanese Steel Barbute

(Steel, 2 kg, 29 cm.).

Circa 15th century AD. A steel helmet raised from a single sheet extending from the crown of the head to the neckline and cheeks; formed with a median ridge from the nape across the top of the head; the edge returned to form a thickened rim; the face opening of characteristic T-shape; a row of holes inserted around the brow to nape, with two additional holes beneath at the ears, to accept attachment rivets for the padded leather lining; to the right rear, an armourer's mark.

Property of a London Gentleman; acquired before 1975.

The armourer's mark comprises a split cross with an indeterminate element between the legs. The split cross is the mark of the famous Missaglia family of Milanese armourers. The form with a letter 'M' between the legs is associated with the early work of Tomaso Missaglia, the first of the family who used this mark up to circa 1452 AD. The helmet is similar in style to an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (no.04.3.232).