Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 1).djvu/357



From the Cathedral of Seckau in Steiermark, where it hung above the tombs of the Prancker von Pranck. Imperial Armoury of Vienna.

From a cast in the possession of the Author

as possessing an original crest (Fig. 328). It formerly hung in the cathedral church of Seckau, in Steiermark, where it was suspended above the tomb of Prancker von Pranck, subsequently passing into the famous collection of Herr Franz Thill. From Franz Thill it was acquired for the Imperial Armoury, Vienna. Of the last three helms we mention we cannot speak from personal examination; but that of the Pranck family is at least familiar to us from an excellent cast of it in our possession (Fig. 327). In comparison with the other mid-XIVth century helms described, the Pranck helm is somewhat shorter in its cylindrical plates, and might be considered of slightly later date, possibly about 1400. It is also reinforced on its left-hand side by the addition of a plate riveted upon it. An unusual feature is the omission of means by which the helm could be attached either to the breast-*plate or to the backplate; the customary holes in front or at the back found