Bidspirit auction | French 'Cavalier Hat' Helmet, 19th

French 'Cavalier Hat' Helmet, 19th century - French cavalier helm hammered from two sheets of riveted steel with a central nasal guard. Modeled after the 16th and 17th century wide-brimmed style hat of like form. Cavalier hats were often felt and usually with a cocked up side or pinned brim. Cavaliers who supported English King Charles I during the Civil War were known for their extravagant dress. The wide brim is blade and upturned to one side with a rolled edge. The skull is hammered from a single sheet of iron with a concave top. For a similar helm see the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession Number: 29.158.53) Size 7” H x 14” L x 13 1/2” W