Comb morion: HEN.M.31-1933

Maker(s)

Production: Unknown

Entities

• Comb morion

Categories

• Armour

Description

Comb morion, for infantry use, with embossed decoration in the 'black and white' fashion. Formed in two halves joined medially by a turn to the left along the crest of the comb, and by a riveted overlap to the left at the front and rear of the brim. Its crown curves down at each side and rises to a high medial comb that extends from just above the brow to just above the nape; and an integral brim that is turned down at each side and curves up to an acute point at the front and the rear. The edge of the brim has a plain inward turn. The base of the crown is encircled by modern externally-flush lining-rivets with brass rosette washers, of which one is missing and several now lack their washers. The lining-rivet and washer at the left of the nape retain a small, modern plume-holder formed of a tapering tube with a single integral arm.
Each side of the crown is embossed in low relief with a large fleur-de-lis that, like the comb, is polished bright against a blackened ground in the 'black and white' fashion.

Notes

History note: Mr James Stewart Henderson of 'Abbotsford', Downs Road, St Helen's Park, Hastings, Sussex.

Legal notes

J.S. Henderson Bequest

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1933-03-16) by Henderson, James Stewart

Dating

17th Century, Early#
Production date: circa AD 1610

Note

The bright areas of the helmet show a light to medium patination. The intervening blackened areas have been refreshed with black paint that has flaked away at some points.