Summer Fine Art and Collectibles Auction
Lot 6:
Description
An amazing and beautiful 17th Century Zischägge or Lobster-tail Hussar of the Polish Winged Hussars, 2nd half of the 17th century. Two-part forged, shiny bell. The centrally attached and riveted comb has the typical, wave-shaped brass decorative band with punched-in dot eyes. Riveted, pointed eye shield with brass head rivets and movable nasal with trefoil face protection. Nasal guide with heart-shaped locking screw. The four-fold pushed neck guard with curved slides, the last slide tapering to a point and again covered with the wave-shaped and decorated brass decorative band. The cheek flaps, drawn in halfway at the front, in the usual large design with a heart-shaped opening in the middle and on the edge covered with the wave-shaped, decorated brass decorative band. The suspension of the separately manufactured cheek flaps on correctly restored leather strips attached to the sides of the bell using star-shaped brass rivets. Signs of age and two small defects. Beautiful dark gray patina. Rare Polish headgear of the Hussars (so-called winged hussars), a Polish cavalry with distinctive Armor consisting of a helmet, breastplate (crab), chain mail and bracers, compare pieces illustrated in Zdzislaw Zygulski, Stara Bron W Polskich Zbiorach, page 16f. Provenance: From a private collection in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dimensions: 17″ H x 14″ W x 8.5″ D
Condition report:
Condition is beautiful and cared for with fantastic patina. The original heart shape screw that allows to adjust the nose guard is slightly stripped and a hand made paper wedge is paced under the bolt to give it tension and support. A couple small surface holes on the cap. Construction is consistent with period black smithing and it shows appropriate and consistent metal deterioration from a piece being over 500 years old. This helmet has defiantly been cared for over it\'s lifetime. A Fantastic piece of Northern European Late medieval period and style Armor that would make it excellent for display!
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