Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 1).djvu/350

 for the eyes; but a prolongation from the centre of the top edge of the front plate, three-quarters-of-an-inch wide, divides the ocularium into two apertures, and, extending up the front of the helm for four inches, ends in a fleur-de-lis, and is secured by five rivets. The cylindrical part is made of thin iron, and has its bottom edge turned up all round inside. The top part is of much thicker plate. The right side of the cylinder is pierced with eighty-eight spiracula, or breathing holes, arranged in the form of an open crown of thin fleurons. Of the rivets which encircle the helm every other one has a small washer for securing the lining. Some fragments of this still remain. Below the band of rivets are nine pairs of holes placed horizontally around the upper edge of the cylinder for the aiglettes of the lining. Around the top piece are two sets of four pairs of holes for securing the crest or coronet. In the front of the helm, near the bottom, are two holes of quatrefoil shape, through which passed a bolt or chain for fixing the helm to the breastplate. There are also two holes at the back for securing the helm behind by a lace or strap." This is Sir St. John Hope's accurate description of the helm.

French, early XIVth century Royal MS., 19, xv, ff. 35637 British Museum

About 1370. Kaiser Dom, Frankfort

Like all pieces of armour that have hung for a long while exposed to