16th – 17th Century Italian Close Ponte Joust Helmet
This beautiful example of Italian fine armour.
The Game of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte) was annual mock-battle held in the Italian city of Pisa from 1568 to 1807. The male locals of the neighborhoods north and south of the Arno River that divided the city, meet in battle over a bridge and fought to gain control of it and invade the opposite side.
This particular helmet was produced by one of the skillful blacksmiths in Pisa. It is thought to result from the Mazzascudo a local traditional event. The red dressed Mazzas and Golden Gallos would battle each other in the Piazza Degli Anziani, which is today known as Piazza dei cavalieri.
The strip visor ensures the wearers face is protected but allowing for clear line of sight.
The overall condition is great but it shows multiple alterations, which is very common with these helmets as many where modified medieval helemts.
This particular helmet is also engraved with the acronym G.P on the helmet exterior and a painted G.P in the inside of the bowl. This was done to set them apart from the other pieces of armour that where stored in the city armouries during peacetime.
Specifications:
Height 30 CM
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