A Dutch ”Lobstertail pothelmet” dating from the early 17th century. Typical is the lobster tail like armour plates protecting the neck and single nose protector on the front held with a crew. This infantry example has no ear protection as most of these have when used by cavalry. The lobstertail pothelmet, also known as zischagge, horseman’s pothelmet and harqebuisier’s pot, was a type of post-renaissance combat helmet. It became popular in Europe, especially for cavalry and officers, from ca.1600. It was derived from an Ottoman Turkish type helmet. 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 in the late 1780’s.

The French term ”Capeline” was also used for this helmet, however,usage of this word was ot precise. ”Capeline” was indiscrminately used to denote various types of hat, and helmets other than the lobster-tail pot.

Condition: Good, some upperficial rust on the inside, the outside is in good condition and has a nice patina consumerate to it’s age.

Dimensions: 43.5 x 23cm

Copyright by Peter Andeweg – 2020