Tournament Helm

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although very similar helmets are depicted in early fifteenth century works of art, almost no other actual examples of this type exist today. Perhaps originally designed for use in battle, it appears to have been converted into a jousting helmet during its working lifetime. The armorer’s mark, a Gothic letter T, is found on at least three other pieces of fifteenth-century armor. The helmet was acquired by the Museum as part of the Duc de Dino’s collection in 1904.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art