Bidspirit auction | Infamous English Forgers Cabasset, 16th

Infamous English Forgers Cabasset, 16th C. Style - Steel Cabasset style helmet, formed with a single piece skull, narrow flanged brim, and pierced holes around the lower edge for former liner attachment. The form is excellent and follows 16th century Italian Palpal Guard Cabasset helmets, a type associated with the Pontifical Swiss Guard of the Pope. This example is a later copy rather than a period 16th century helmet. It bears a forged stamped mark to the rear left brim, noted as an imitation of an Italian or Papal Guard. Attributed to the workshop of an infamous English arms and armor expert whose Cabasset copies have recirculated in the market and have at times been sold as period examples. Purportedly, over 200 to 300 examples were originally produced, most bearing the same Papal style mark at the rear left brim. These copies are also noted as weighing significantly more than their 16th century equivalents. Other diagnostic features include the absence of inserted lining rivets, drilled rather than punched liner holes, and the general heavy gauge of steel. Measurements 10.5”L 9”H Material: Steel. XRF noted approximately 0.4 manganese. UK Arms & Armour Market, Ex-Bill Scollard Sr. Collection, Ex-Frank Faraco. (Kept as a study piece) Condition: Shows oxidation, pitting, surface wear, abrasions, dark interior oxidation, and scattered losses or discoloration to the surface. Pierced liner holes remain visible around the lower edge. Liner and associated interior fittings are absent.