A Precursor of the Spiked Helmet

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The sale of Czerny's on October 25 at Sarzana in Italy ends with four khula-khuds, this type of helmet that was used in the Middle East until the late nineteenth century.

The first three are beautiful objects inlaid with gold Arabic inscriptions for the use of an officer or for presentation.

The fourth and last lot, estimated 15 K€, is the earliest, the rarest, and belonged to one of these outrageous characters who were so typical of the eighteenth century.

Indeed, this piece is surmounted by a small cone terminated by a ball. In later models, the ball is replaced by a spike. The role of this accessory is to protect the head against the sword blows. This idea was restarted much later by the King of Prussia, who introduced the spiked helmet (Pickelhaube) in his army in 1843.

The military adventurer who owned the helmet was the Comte de Bonneval, who was angry with the Emperor of Austria and became a convert to Islam and a leader of the Ottoman armies in 1739.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Very good results for these helmets. The three most recent have been sold 24, 22 and 13 K €. They were also the most decorated.

The earliest helmet was really a special piece in its class: 62 K€.

I think these prices are before fees. I will check in a few days on a site used by the auction house. If this is not the case, I shall indicate.