AUCTIONS IMPERIAL NOVEMBER 2022 ARMS & ARMOR
Lot 176:
Description
Known for the English tradition of hanging a knights helmet over his tomb, a practice which remained popular into the 18th century. A bespoke piece made by an armorer in the first half of the 17th century of lightweight, characteristic form; the skull wrought in two pieces with pronounced central ridge. The peaked visor with sloping ocularia and breaths in the form of circles rises partially. The bevor with well-modeled chin, sharing a common pivot with the visor as is typical. The gorget composed of two broad lames with turned edges. Surmounted by a finely carved wooden crest in the form of a horse’s head resting on a torse, the crest of the Skeltons of Cumberland (recorded for Sir Bevil Skelton, 1641-1696) and retaining its handwrought suspension chain and substantial remains of original black japanning. 18th century. As found. Overall height 47cm. Condition V
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