129897_auctions-imperial-2018-arms-and-armor-november/
Lot 406:
Description
Qajar Dynasty work, comprising a helmet of unusual, possibly unique form, inspired by the German spiked helmet. With captured nasal, plume holders and spike finial, the skull deeply peaked at front and rear, and etched overall with Persian warriors, tigers and other beasts amongst foliage, with elaborately calligraphed borders and Persian lions bearing shamshirs, all heightened with gold and silver inlay. Retains its full camail terminating in eight points. The shield decorated en suite with the helmet, with four inlaid central bosses and applied brass rim. Mid-19th century. Minor losses to camail, spike mount slightly loose. German-Iranian cultural relations are documented as early as 1819. German advisors were also invited to participate as a “third power” during the Great Game; thus Persian nobles and artisans were exposed to the pickelhaube at a relatively early date. Shield diameter 48.6cm. Condition II
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