2016 Antique Helmet
2016) A LARGE STEEL SKULL HELMET CIRCA 1600:
Introduction: This helmet typology was worn, hidden under a hat, during the Renaissance to protect the wearer’s head from attacks with weapons. It is called a “secrete”. These unique helmets allowed both soldiers and civilians to maintain fashionable civilian styling while ensuring invisible protection. The “secrete” was popular during times of political instability or among those who had reason to fear assassination or street violence.
Description: Constructed in the shape of a form-fitting dome, from iron or steel. The rim with pierced small holes, which permit the wearer to sew the metal cap directly into the fabric lining of a felt hat or feather beret. Six vertical openings to permit a snug fitting to the head after the application of the lining and stuffing.
Approximate Dimensions: 8.75 x 7.5 x 4.75 inches.
Condition: Very good with traces of original brazing.
Discussion: The secrete evolved from a medieval helmet known as a cervelliere. While the medieval version was usually worn openly or under a chainmail coif on the battlefield, the Renaissance “secret” was explicitly modified for daily concealment.
Skull caps cervelliere’s/ secrete’s were used in slightly different configurations over a 400-year period (see pages 48, 61, and 66 in my book). They appear in Hans Memling’s late 15th-century paintings, worn with quilted jacks. Landsknechts are still shown wearing them (see below, A Landsknecht officer circa 1550, wearing a skull cap from a woodcut by David de Necker) with “Almain rivets”.
English documents record skull caps being worn with jack right up to the end of the 16th-century. They are often described as fabric-covered or worn with fabric bonnets. The holes are original and serve to attach a fabric covering. Such a simplistic helmet could only be improved in appearance with a covering.
The color of the covering could also have served to identify which unit the wearer belonged to. Skull caps were eventually replaced by the secret, which was worn under a hat (hence the expression “keep it under your hat”).
Conclusion: This is a very interesting piece that shows very well. It’s a lot of armor for a very little price. The story behind a secrete alone is a superb conversation piece. This is a great item for any collector of Arms and Armor and just about everyone will think it’s a cervelliere from the 15th century. You are getting a lot for your money. ACT-NOW!!!
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–Free shipping.
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I believe you will be very pleased. ACT-NOW!!!*