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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Adding video to channels (Documentaries, Geek, History) - requested by jonny.
Pretty awesome stuff, just imagine how much further we'd be if Jobs had also thought of stealing Ethernet and email.
http://www.videosift.com/video/Pirates-of-Silicon-Valley1999
It's a shame, really. You have to wonder where we'd be now if Xerox upper management had their priorities in order. PARC was 10-20 years ahead of the times depending on which technology you look at; Ethernet LAN, WYSIWYG, WIMP GUI, laser printers, InterPress and OOP; and Xerox abandoned the project because they were afraid computers would destroy the paper business.