Would This 16th Century Helmet Terrify a Jousting Opponent?

Posted by Minnesotastan in Weapons & War on November 10, 2009 at 6:00 pm


helmetThis embossed, etched, and gilded steel close helmet is attributed to German armourer Kolman Helmschmid.  It currently resides in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where there is a relevant essay on fashion in 16th century European armor.

Helmets fitted with masklike visors were a popular German and Austrian fashion about 1510 to 1540. With their visors forged and embossed as humorous or grotesque human masks, such helmets were often worn in tournaments held during the exuberant pre-Lenten (Shrovetide) festivals, celebrations somewhat akin to the modern Mardi Gras. Substitute visors of more conventional type were often provided for everyday use.

Interestingly, the postulated 1515 date for this helmet would make it contemporary with the “horned helmet” previously posted at Neatorama.

Link, via Titam et le Sirop d’Erable.  Photo credit Metropolitan Museum of Art.


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9 comments to "Would This 16th Century Helmet Terrify a Jousting Opponent?"

  1. The Regal regret
    November 10th, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    Dude looks like Prince Charles...

  2. Him
    November 10th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    1: I'm sure that with that nose, he would.
    2: He looks like Gary Larsons' rendition of a caveman.

  3. Alex
    November 10th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    How could he see through those small eyeholes?

  4. Spencer Pittman
    November 10th, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    That helm would not be used for jousting, its parade armor.

  5. Me
    November 11th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    He looks scared.... Or drunk. Maybe if the teeth were pointy?

  6. pwscott
    November 11th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    I think we could revive this art with bike helmets. What gang wouldn't want to be this intimidating.:^p

  7. Tom-
    November 12th, 2009 at 4:57 am

    > He looks scared.... Or drunk.
    LOL the front view has the look of Shane McGowan about it :D

  8. ByrdBrain
    November 12th, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    He would see out the long slits above the wee beady little eyes.

  9. Noelegy
    November 13th, 2009 at 8:32 am

    LOL Tom!!

    I don't know how terrifying this is, but the craftsmanship is stunning.


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