Sallet, northern Italy, 1470 (metal, gilt bronze, velvet & silk)

Skull of one piece with deep sides and a long tail. It has been adapted, probably in the 19th century, with the addition of a red velvet covering over which is fitted a series of fleurs-de-lys of gilt bronze, a large one at either side of the skull and a row of them round the base of the skull at the level of the original lining rivets, whose holes have been used for the nuts and bolts fastening the fleurs. The lower edge is bordered by large, pyramid-headed rivets en suite. The helmet also has a lining of red silk padded with tow, which probably dates from the modification of the helmet.