~ 17th Century English Civil War Period Zischagee Lobster Helmet ~
The lobster-tailed pot helmet, also known as the zischagge, horseman's pot and harquebusier's pot, was a type of post-Renaissance combat helmet. It became popular in Europe, especially for cavalry and officers, from c. 1600; it was derived from an Ottoman Turkish helmet type. The helmet gradually fell out of use in most of Europe in the late 17th century; however, the Austrian heavy cavalry retained it for some campaigns as late as the 1780s.
The single nasal-bar type was characteristic of Continental Europe, whilst the three-barred type with a pivoting peak was more widely used in the British Isles. Many European-made lobster-tailed pot helmets were later imported to Britain during the English Civil War.
The lining of the helmet is missing, as expected for such an old piece.
In order to prevent the rust its interior was sprayed with oil at one point in time.
Some of the leather fittings are later replacements and some are original.
The ear covers have ventilation holes.
~ Dimensions ~
The helmet width is 17 inches (43 cm), its depth is 10.4 inches (26.5 cm) and its height is approximately 8.5 inches (21.5 cm).
The helmet weighs 1.8 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The helmet is in good condition for its age.
There is some amount of surface rust on the inside.
The leather fittings have aged but are still in one piece.
