This is the classic north Italian morion, which served the Spanish armies from the time of Colombus in the New World and the Conquistadors Pizarro and Cortes until the early 17th century and the fighting in the Netherlands against the Dutch. It is easily distinguishable from that of south German construction by virtue of the very high comb.
This is of two-piece construction and they were made in northern Italy for export throughout Europe. They are considerably rarer than the south German version and this one is in excellent shape for its age. There are no patches to the skull and there is a nice dark mottled patina to the whole piece. It is approximately 14 inches high by about 14 inches wide. There are no armourer's marks, but all the lining rosettes are present, except for one, and there are the remains of the leather lining on the inside of the skull. Famously, the Swiss Guard still wear these on guard duty at the Vatican.
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[Militaria : Headdress : Italian : 16th Century]
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