Cabasset
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Steel, leather
Dimensions
H. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm); W. 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm); D. 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 3 oz. (992 g)
Classification
Helmets
Culture
possibly British
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Accession Number
14.25.487
Art Historical Context
Step into the riveting world of 17th-century warfare with this striking *Cabasset*, a helmet crafted from durable steel reinforced with leather. Measuring just 11 3/4 inches high, 9 7/8 inches wide, and weighing a nimble 2 pounds 3 ounces, its compact design speaks to practicality for the foot soldier. The cabasset's distinctive open-faced form, with a rounded skull and flared brim, offered essential protection for the head and neck while maintaining visibility and ventilation on the battlefield. Possibly of British origin, this helmet hails from an era of intense conflict, including the Engl...