Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 2).djvu/144



First quarter of XVth century. Hanging above the tomb of Sir Reginald Braybrook, Cobham Church, Kent

back by persons who were either ignorant or regardless of their original positions. The result has been that the subsequent sites of these helmets have been more or less indiscriminately chosen. Indeed it will generally be found that these church helmets are later than the monuments over which they are hung. Occasionally, however, monument and helm are contemporary, in which case it is always possible they may then belong one to the other. The Nicholas Hawberk helm is almost identical with that of Henry V just described. It is made of five pieces, the only noticeable difference being that it has not the brass band added at its base. Here, too, the plates at the bottom edge are rolled outwards. Just above this rolled edge, round the front and the right rear of the helmet, is a series of twin holes for sewing in the lining, which are not, however, continued round the left rear. There is, too, as in the case of the Henry V head-piece, a poorly fashioned ring riveted to the front of the helmet, which must also be condemned. About the skull-piece of the crown are various holes intended for the aiglettes by which the orle and lambrequin, or more possibly the lining cap, was secured. Upon the summit of the helm, in the flat plate inserted at the top, are riveted four staples. To these were attached the crest (Fig. 450). The next of the only three genuine helms of this period which we are able to describe is the second head-piece in Cobham Church, Kent, known as the Bray