A cabasset for comments ... please

[Jim McDougall]

Interesting detail on the colloquial terms used for these helmets, and the etymology derivation. The 'pear stalk' term did indeed expand from the British and European versions later. It is interesting to me that these are a form of the familiar and almost cliche' 'combed morion'.

I noted the aside on the "Man in the Golden Helmet" because it is a brilliant example of these helmets and that while in effect, a common other ranks type, they did reach more illustrious character. The famed painting by Rembrandt certainly added a bit of mystique (the fact it was from his 'school' not his hand not withstanding) and dimension to the story of these helmets.

The armourers mark you have added certainly provides compelling evidence of the Spanish origin of this example, and the Gyngell reference has been venerably sound in the limited field of markings compendiums. It seems that most cases known of spurious use of these markings applies to sword blades and perhaps sometimes in guns....but it does not seem as much the case in armourers marks. Perhaps that is an assumption on my part with my being basically unfamiliar with armour in general?

These are the times I wish Mr. Senefelder would chime in!!

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... These are the times I wish Mr. Senefelder would chime in!!

Unfortunately (mysteriously ?) A. Senefelder has ended his participation almost two years ago, not only in our forum but also in other venues, as i contextually noticed.
Pity there (apparently) is not a wider audience to assist and contribute to armour discussions ... for my regret

[fernando]

A paper & copper essay for a plume holder. I will visit the (silver) smith workshop on Monday. Will ask them if the fixation rivets are better to be made of silver, a softer material, instead of iron, to not further damage the holes with the beating.
... Or maybe the whole thing in silver; exotic ... and hopefully not much expensive !

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[fernando]

Well, in the lack of a minimum quorum to keep this thread alive, i have to see that the party goes on, myself .
Here is a rather interesting illustration of cabassets that i found while browsing on the subject.

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[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

Well, in the lack of a minimum quorum to keep this thread alive, i have to see that the party goes on, myself .
Here is a rather interesting illustration of cabassets that i found while browsing on the subject.

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This is a wonderful plate of illustrations on the various versions of the cabasset. While thought of as a simple common soldiers helmet, it clearly had well embellished examples in many cases.

Interesting to see the names of Lillian and Fred Funcken, who I seem to recall from military miniature days of the painting of these small figures and wargamers (it was about 40 or more years ago). They published some of the finest illustrations for these purposes and accuracy was incredible. I recall trying my hand at this VERY briefly!

[ulfberth]

Here is one in the Metropolitan mMuseum , in polychrome rather unusual.
kind regards,
Ulfberth

[fernando]

Thank you so much for coming in Ulfberth
I have actually browsed the Met to know things about cabassets but didn't spot this magnificent example you now show us.
So i went back there and this tome i found it. I will add another picture, which i find interesting due to an inscription that reads "UBOLDO", a comune in Lombardia where most certainly this cabasset owner belonged. One thing the museum text doesn't mention and i take as most plausible is that, this ended up being a funerary item ... both for the Latin inscription and the fact that one doesn't go battling with such a delicately decorated helmet. The owner would become a preferential pray, as everyone would be trying to take him down and bring home such fine work of art


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