LOT 1189

South German Burgonet Helm

CIRCA 1560-1570 A.D.

9 1/2 in. (1.54 kg, 24 cm high).

The one-piece skull rising to a prominent baluster-shaped finial, facetted upper half, the lower writhen projecting forward to flat obtusely pointed integral peak and backwards to a similar but shorter integral neck-guard, hinged cheek-pieces embossed with a star with four points, an auditory hole between each arm; fitted internally with a quilted canvas lining; with possible punched 'eagle' maker mark to visor projection.

with Thomas Del Mar Ltd, 6th December 2017, lot 199.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Thomas Del Mar Ltd catalogue pages and purchase invoice.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11770-203982.

See Gessler E.A., Führer durch die Waffensammlung, ein Abriss der Schweizerischen Waffenkunde, Zurich, 1928, pls. 23 and 24.

Most original burgonets feature some form of decoration. Rolled and roped edges and pierced cheek-pieces are common, and the finest burgonets were engraved, inlaid and/or selectively coloured and polished. Some were covered in fine cloth in the tradition of sallets. The name seems to be a corrupted form of bourguignotte, the contemporary French term for this helmet type.