Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 2).djvu/145

 *brook helm. It is practically the same in form and construction as that just described, save that its original height was much less. Since it was first made it has been lengthened, possibly for funerary purposes; as on the lengthening rim there are no staples by which it could be attached to the breastplate, neither are there holes by which any lining could be secured. In the top of the helm is a round hole for fixing a crest (Fig. 451). Having mentioned these three tilting helms, we dispose of the class of helms that belong to the first quarter of the XVth century; for we are unacquainted with any others, English or foreign, that we dare ascribe to so early a date. True, Graf von Trapp is said to have an early XVth century helm in his wonderful collection in Schloss Churburg; but we have never had an opportunity of seeing the original, and only know of its existence from an old and faded photograph. There is likewise a helm purporting to be of this date in the Zeughaus of Berlin; but we have not handled it and remain therefore unconvinced of its authenticity.

As the century advances but slight alteration can be discerned in the general form of the tilting helm, or in fact in tilting armour generally, harness made for the specific purpose of the joust being much less variable in its fashion than that made for use in war. The latter almost invariably followed the civil dress of the day; while the former retained most of the conventional defences of earlier generations. Before we proceed to classify into distinct groups certain types of helms of the latter part of the XVth century, we will briefly mention an individual helm known to us, which from its Italian origin may possibly have a rightful claim to a somewhat earlier date. It is the helm, doubtless of Italian form and workmanship, which is now in the Metropolitan Museum of New York, and which was purchased by the authorities there with the remainder of the Duc de Dino's Collection. From its enormous weight, we consider that it was worn in defence against the lance à rochet. It is forged in three pieces held together by large rivets. The skull-piece is not unlike those of later date, having a pronounced crest at the back part only, which is forged at the side with two flaps that in turn are riveted over the visor plate of the helm. The visor plate has at its base a strong hasp, pierced with three square holes, in which were fastened the staples of the breastplate. The edge of the ocularium is strengthened on the inside with a second plate of metal, thus attaining a thickness of three-fifths of an inch. At the nape of the neck is attached a buckle for fastening the helm to the backplate. On the front of the head-piece on the left are numerous traces of lance