Turkey, Ottoman Empire. A Ceremonial Parade Helmet

Item #W7521

$402
In brass, incorporating a band in silvered bronze that travels around the circumference near the base of the helmet. There is a helmet plate placed at the front bearing the image of a large bearded god-like figurehead, the head enclosed in a large framework designed with multiple swirls and scalloping, the large head surmounted by a small horned animal head, the helmet plate flaring out at the base to follow the pointed outward design of the helmet to accommodate the wearer's nose, with large arches designed for the eyes to increase visual enhancement placed on either side of the flare. Above the helmet plate are two badges prominently placed on the crest of the helmet, each of which illustrates four circular voided areas within a swirl coupling and a four petal floral burst. The band adjoining the helmet plate with thirty-three ornate portals, each of the portals integrating a four-leaf clover-like design in the centre, the band containing nine cabochons, five are round light blue stones and four are oval coral stones, each of which is in its own coupling, in an alternating colour scheme, with large brass beads placed between each of the cabochons. Each of the beads and cabochons are placed in the centre of the aforementioned portals, the cabochons and beads with portals between each. The lip of the helmet with a rolled edge and is designed with a series of holes just above the lip that travels around the bottom edge for placement of a camail (a piece of chainmail worn to protect the neck and shoulders). The inside with a white cotton liner that exhibits green possible maker markings, the liner with a brown drawstring. The helmet measures 175 mm in width x 190 mm in depth x 230 mm in height, the cabochons intact and free of chipping, exhibiting three large dents on the left rear quadrant, two are one above the other, the other slightly to the left of the pairing, another dent along with contact marks beside the badge on the right side, with residue evident in the recessed areas on the silvered bronze helmet plate, badges and band from cleaning, the liner with a tear evident along the vertical seam and is lightly soiled overall from active use, the drawstring having experienced separation. Very fine.