Stechhelm

Full Body From Behind

Full Body From The Front

From The Right Side

From Above

From The Side

From Behind

Helm for the Joust of Peace (Stechhelm)

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Helm for the Joust of Peace (Stechhelm)

Helm for the Joust of Peace (Stechhelm)

Date:
ca. 1500
Geography:
Probably Nuremberg
Culture:
German, probably Nuremberg
Medium:
Steel, copper alloy
Dimensions:
H. 17 3/4 in. (45 cm); W. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); D. 18 in. (45.7 cm); Wt. 17 lb. 14 oz. (8097 g)
Classification:
Helmets
Credit Line:
Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1929

The Stechhelm formed part of a highly specialized tournament armor worn solely for the Gestech, or German joust, fought with blunted lances. The object was to break lances or to unhorse the opponent. This helmet was probably part of a series kept in the Nuremberg arsenal for civic tournaments.

Provenance

Count Franz I zu Erbach-Erbach, Schloss Erbach in Odenwald, Germany (said to have previously been in Nuremberg; until d. 1823; by descent through his family to Count Conrad); Count Conrad zu Erbach-Erbach, Schloss Erbach (until 1922; sold through Major Hans Müller-Hickler to Dean, December, 1922); Bashford Dean, Riverdale, NY (1922–d. 1928; his estate, 1928–1929; sold to MMA, 1929).