Triple bar cavalry trooper's helmet, English (c 1640)

Title	Triple bar cavalry trooper's helmet
Nationality	English
Period	c 1640

Sold

MAGNIFY

This is the classic English Civil War helmet as used by both sides. The hinged visor is struck with the maker's marks 'H' and 'IH'. The mark 'H' was used by William Harrison (flourished 1626-48) and 'IH' by John Hill and John Holloway from 1631 onwards (see The London Armourers of the 17th Century by Thom Richardson, Royal Armouries, 2004).

The underside of the visor is incised with setting up marks, while the visor itself is fitted with a triple bar face-guard, neck guard embossed in imitation of articulations, turned over edges with riveted borders, and a pair of ear flaps, which, in addition to their original buff leather hinges, have the buff supports for the chin ties.

There is some active rust inside the skull, but a good soaking with WD40 should cure this. Otherwise, apart from age wear and tear across the piece, it is in excellent shape, particularly the leather work. There is a nice, dark, even patination throughout.

These triple bar helmets are much rarer than the single bar imported Dutch ones by a factor of 10 to 1. They were made from the 1630s onwards.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Armour : English : 17th Century]

online museum

account

testimonials