CLOSE HELMET FROM THE ARMORY OF THE EARL OF PEMBROKE CIRCA 1550: For Sale

CLOSE HELM FROM THE ARMORY OF THE EARL OF PEMBROKE CIRCA 1550: A closed English helmet like this makes a loud and resounding statement of chivalry, power, class, and elegance.

Introduction:The double bevor close helmet, such as the one under discussion, was developed from c1540 to as late as 1650. Eventually, the one bevor close helmet used in the early parts of the 16th century led to the development of the four-piece double bevor close helmet with both an upper bevor and a lower bevor (bevor proper) like the one under discussion. It still contained a visor and laminated neck plates. Most movable components are held in place by bolt pivots and pivoted hooks.

Discussion:Helmets are the most sought-after armor collectibles. The mostsought after helmets by collectors are homogeneous, in other words, as original as the day they were made, and they are becoming very difficult to find.

Why are helmetsthe most sought-after by collectors?

Hereare three reasons:

1) Helmets are the earliest form of body armor. Both aristocratic knights and simple infantrymen used them. Helmets are the most difficult item to make in a suit of armor. Because of their elegance, workmanship, and symbolism of power and chivalry, helmets are readily accepted by most as works of art, even by non-collectors.

2) Even someone who knows very little about Arms and Armor will recognize a Medieval/Renaissance helmet. If you collect greaves (see pages 122-BB and 123-BB in my book ), few people may know what they are or find them aesthetically pleasing.

3) Helmets, like a fine statue, display well on flat tops such as shelves, tables, or desks.

Why are homogeneous helmets sohighly valued bycollectors andmuseums?`Arms or armor that are homogeneous means the item is as original today as the day it was made by the original armorer hundreds of years ago. Composite is when an armor has missing pieces replaced in order to put it back together entirely again. The missing parts can be from another armor (called “associated”) or made new (called “restored”). Most composite Arms and Armor were put back together in the last 100–150 years, primarily during the Victorian period when there was a great demand for Arms and Armor and not enough to satisfy everyone.
Description: Constructed with a rounded one-piece skull rising to a boldly roped medial comb fitted at the nape with a broad two-piece single neck guard (associated). The bellows visor and bevor are attached to the skull on each side by means of common dome-headed pivots, eight ventilation holes on the right side of the upper bevor, no ventilation holes on the left side of the upper bevor, which is indicative of being a cavalry helmet. The visor is stepped beneath its centrally divided vision slit, a swivel hook to secure the bevor and bevor proper, and a swivel hook to secure the bevor proper to the skull. Decorated with a roped bevor and roped neck-lame at the edges en suite, with plumb holder. Condition #2.
Provenance:By tradition and by descendants from the armory of the Earl of Pembroke. It was probably sold at Wilton House in the Sothebys sale of 1923.

Conclusion:Ahelmet like this makes a loud and resounding statement of chivalry, power, class, and elegance. Even though this helmet is not in mint museum condition, it is close, and this drops the price substantially. It also keeps them out of lifetime captivity at a museum. Dollar for dollar, this is a great value; you get a bang for the bang! A helmetlike this is seldom available in the collectors market. This one should sell very quickly! ACT NOW so you won’t be disappointed. It could be a year before I get another like this. Priced to sell today.!!

YOU ARE BUYING WITH COMPLETE CONFIDENCE:All my items come with a 14 day review period.