As an arms historian, and in that regard, a complete novice (at best) on armour, I became curious with this intriguing helmet, and while wanting to ask questions, decided to do some research to learn more on these.
For other uninitiated in the field of study of armour (obviously including myself), I wanted to add these notes.
This type of helmet apparently developed in Europe, deriving from the Turkish 'chichak' of similar form with nasal, neck guard, ear coverings etc.. I believe most probably Poland, began their own versions and termed them 'zischagge' (German from the Turkish term for these). The Polish 'Winged Hussars' had their often elaborate versions of these in the 16th century.
In the 17th century these were often termed 'harquebusier' pots or helmets, as they were typically worn by the light cavalry called 'harquebusiers' for the 'arquebus' guns they used. These helmets were also worn by pikemen.
During the English Civil Wars 1642-51, these were of course prevalent, and I found that while many of these helmets were made in England, numbers of them, predominantly Dutch were brought in, mostly it would seem by the 'roundheads' (Parliamentarians led by Cromwell).
One of my questions was, what does the crowned IR stand for?
In an article by master armourer Chris Dobson ("What do Armourers Marks Mean?", London Park Lane Arms Fair journal, Spring ,2005, p.43), it is noted that the marks 'C' surmounted by crown (for Charles II) and IR surmounted by crown (James II) were struck on armours found in the Tower of London.
It seems that of these marks, they were often struck retrospectively , particularly in the case of the James II mark as in many cases these were struck on armours of makers long dead before either of these monarches acceded the throne.
It must be noted, Charles II and James II were brothers in line for the throne.
It is noted that the James II mark is very often badly struck, particularly on the brims of pikemens pots, since they had a fabric lining and punching the marks distorted the plate so badly it actually broke through in some.
With this crowned IR, clearly this is a Royalist helmet, but it is interesting to note that James II of England and Ireland, James VII of Scotland only ruled 1685-1688 before being deposed.
The split construction of the helmet indicates it is of British manufacture, rather than Continental, and the three bar peak (visor) was prevalent though single nasal also were in use. A curious bit of nonsense was proclaimed by General George Monck in 1644, who stated the three bars made the helmet's protection 'pistol proof'. !!! ??
In England these were well known as the 'three bar pot'.
Questions remain,
Could this 'pot' have been in use by Royalists during the turbulent times in the latter part of the War and struck presumptively for James II forces?
Or, was it de facto stamped an used in the brief window of the actual reign of James II?
Was it a cavalry helmet or pikemans? It seems the pikemen examples were stamped on the brim (due to the fabric lining?).
With three bars it is undoubtedly British.
My last question, which hours of searching could not resolve....what exactly does the term siege weight mean?
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