The State Hermitage Museum: Exhibitions

This close helmet with a two-part beaver was produced in Augsburg, one of the best centres for the manufacture of arms and armour, in the middle of the 16th century. The helmet is of the Burgundian type with a flanged lower edge that connects with the gorget. The helmet was part of a suit of parade armour used in tournaments – its left-hand side is reinforced by an additional plate.
The decoration of the helmet is outstanding for the exquisite finish. It was embellished with etching and gilded ornament combined with niello depicting stylized plants.