A German Black and White Comb Morion dating to circa 1600

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Price: £2,150

Ref: 42502519

Item Description

An attractive embossed black and white German Comb Morion.

Comb Morions were a commonly encountered piece of headgear in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The better quality more decorative morions of the type described here were used by more prestigious individuals and by armed guards in the retinues of nobles as part of a matching armour. Plainer types were also produced in huge quantities for the German states as a field accoutrement for infantry and pikemen. These plainer munitions types were also exported to further afield.

This Morion is typically formed from two pieces into a rounded crown joined along the crest of a high medial comb with a roped pattern along its edge. The brim is integral and rises to an acute point to the front and rear. The edge is turned under around a wire for strength and decorated all around with a pattern of regularly spaced notches similar to the comb top. The base of the crown is encircled with 12 lining rivets 6 of which retain their brass rosette shaped washers to the outside. A plume holder is fixed to the rear.

Each side of the Morion is decorated in raised relief with a large embossed fleur di lys of clean steel. The ground behind the embossed designs retains much of its original blackened finish which contrasts with the clean steel giving a pleasing and interesting appearance.

The Morion is in generally good condition compared to many of its contemporaries without noticeable dents and bruises and  retains its  distinctive shape.

The length front to back is 13 inches (33 cm). The brim at its widest is 8.75 inches (just over 22 cm) across.  The Morion is 13 inches (33 cm) from base of brim to top of comb.