This embossed, etched, and gilded steel close helmet is attributed to German armourer Kolman Helmschmid. It currently resides in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where there is a relevant essay on fashion in 16th century European armor.
Helmets fitted with masklike visors were a popular German and Austrian fashion about 1510 to 1540. With their visors forged and embossed as humorous or grotesque human masks, such helmets were often worn in tournaments held during the exuberant pre-Lenten (Shrovetide) festivals, celebrations somewhat akin to the modern Mardi Gras. Substitute visors of more conventional type were often provided for everyday use.
Interestingly, the postulated 1515 date for this helmet would make it contemporary with the “horned helmet” previously posted at Neatorama.
Link, via Titam et le Sirop d’Erable. Photo credit Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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In fact, I'd like to take this opportunity to address those of you who like to shout "I need more cowbell!" every time you are at a rock show, in a bar, or in a living room and you hear or see a cowbell. You make the "Freebird!" guy look like a lot of fun.
Yeah
Maybe it's not as awful live (in person) since you might not be able to see where he's staring.
Walken, The Census Taker
EDIT: Aww crap, now I know why. They put a damn link in there. Someone should change it now that I don't have the privilege.