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Originally Posted by CSinTX
What was the purpose of the central spike?
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Very good question!
The subject of medieval helmets used in funerary situations has brought up many questions concerning the curious fixtures and additions to armor and particularly helmets. As these types of armor and helmets were later used to adorn the tombs of figures of rank and title in the tradition of early use of actual armor......they were made often with features to accommodate their display.
In the case of the spike, I believe these were to mount the family coat of arms (or charges as seen in post #5). Naturally not all displays were the same, so many helmets are without it.