Description: It is formed in two pieces with a rounded skull crown that curves down over the ears at each side and rises to a very high, roped medial comb, an integral brim that is turned down at each side and rises to a point at the front and the rear. The edge of the brim is decorated with inward turns. The base of the crown is encircled by lining rivets fitted with rosette washers of brass, some missing.  Two further rivets serve for the attachment of an iron plume holder at the nape of the crown.  The helmet is embossed in white metal with black in reverse.

Discussion: The comb morion was popular in Western Europe from 1540 to 1620. The Italians generally preferred the comb morion and Spanish morion (see page 159 in my book). Conversely, the Germans preferred the burgonet (see page 162). Needless to say, the comb morion shape changed to adjust to the changes in warfare, military tactics, offensive arms, and fashion. The morion was used by man-at-arms, palace guards, city guards, merchants, and explorers. The morion was the Renaissance successor to the Medieval kettle hat. The morion was initially used in Western Continental Europe, mainly Iberia (Spain), Burgundy (France), and Flanders (Belgium). The primary advantage of the morion was visibility. Therefore, the largest proponents of the morion were archers and musketeers. The morion made aiming much easier by increasing the shooter‚ vision without impairment and by increasing peripheral vision. During the inventory of the Saxon Armory in Dresden in 1606, over 60 years after the introduction of the morion, the morion was referred to as the Spanish Shooting Helmet (Spanifle Schutzen Haube). The morion evolved as early as 1540 from the Gothic Kettle/War Hat. From the third quarter of the 16th century, the comb morion was commonly provided as part of the corslet in Germany. A corslet (see page 197 in my book) is a type of half-armor widely worn by German infantrymen throughout Southern and Western Europe. In Germany, however, the usual equipment for the infantryman of that time was a knee-length knechtisches harnasch furnished with a burgonet (see pages 173 and 211in my book). The morion was rarely made for military purposes in Germany before the end of the 16th century. The Germans preferred the burgonet.

Conclusion:  Morions such as this one are great collection pieces. Most collections have one like it or similar. They are elegant and inexpensive. You get a lot of value for your money. This example has a tall and elegant comb. Priced to sell today under $3K!!!* Includes: 1) Custom wood stand. 2) Ten-day review period from the date of receipt. 3) Certificate of Authenticity. 4) Free shipping. 5) Autographed copy of my book.