Lot Essay
This belongs to the well-known group of helmets made for the Trabantan Guard of the Electors of Saxony
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LATE 16TH CENTURY
Details
A COMB MORION OF THE GUARD OF THE ELECTORS OF SAXONY
LATE 16TH CENTURY
Of one piece, with prominent roped comb pierced with a pair of lining-points, four pierced holes for the plume-holder (lacking), decorated throughout with etched and gilt bands of scrollwork, a vignette on each side respectively depicting Mutius Scaevola putting his hand in the flames and Marcus Curtius leaping into the gulf, and roundels on each side of the comb framing a shield bearing the insignia of the Arch-Marshalcy of the Holy Roman Empire on one side and a shield bearing the arms of Saxony on the other, the base of the skull with a row of lining-rivets each formed as a gilt lion-mask with a ring in its mouth, downturned brim with turned roped edge and rising to a point fore and aft, and struck with the Nuremberg mark, later black-painted finish (small damaged area to edge of brim on one side, cheek-pieces lacking)
Approx. 11½in. (29.3cm.) high
LATE 16TH CENTURY
Of one piece, with prominent roped comb pierced with a pair of lining-points, four pierced holes for the plume-holder (lacking), decorated throughout with etched and gilt bands of scrollwork, a vignette on each side respectively depicting Mutius Scaevola putting his hand in the flames and Marcus Curtius leaping into the gulf, and roundels on each side of the comb framing a shield bearing the insignia of the Arch-Marshalcy of the Holy Roman Empire on one side and a shield bearing the arms of Saxony on the other, the base of the skull with a row of lining-rivets each formed as a gilt lion-mask with a ring in its mouth, downturned brim with turned roped edge and rising to a point fore and aft, and struck with the Nuremberg mark, later black-painted finish (small damaged area to edge of brim on one side, cheek-pieces lacking)
Approx. 11½in. (29.3cm.) high
Provenance
Sold in these Rooms, 19 September 1990, Lot 109
The Saxon Electoral Armoury, Dresden
The Saxon Electoral Armoury, Dresden
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.