German Zischagge “Lobstertail” Helmet, ca. 1630

Description

The zischagge originated in Eastern Europe, having its design influenced by Islamic helmets. It provided excellent vision and protection for the cavalry of the day and soon its use spread throughout most of Europe. This example features hemispheric skull with six ribs; four articulated neck lames with rolled edges, coming to a shallow point and forming the signature lobstertail neck guard. Riveted peaked visor with sliding nasal bar fixed by a heart-shaped thumb screw. Cheek pieces with 7 pierced holes in rosette pattern (leathers replaced). Pitting overall with untouched dark patina and a few tiny rust holes appearing in several of the ribs. Typical munitions grade helmet used by cavalry throughout the Thirty Years War and English Civil War.