This is the only web-pic I can find of the elusive "Spider "Helm and its a terrible photograph ...it looks like a portable Bar-B-Que photographed in a storm at night !
This one is marked as 1650-1700 .
I would be very appreciative if someone could post any better pictures of this rather rare helm type. I'd also appreciate any additional data on who wore them.......cavalry I assume ?
Thanks !

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See my article on the Art Institute of Chicago:

http://www.myArmoury.com/feature_visit_aic.html

You'll have to sign in to view the full-size image of the spider helmet.

Hello all!

Merv,
This is what is says about spider helmets in George Cameron Stone's A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times

George Cameron Stone wrote:

Spider Helmet- An open helmet of the 17th century surrounded by hinged bars that can be turned up to rest against the crown or down to protect the face and sides of the head.

He shows a photo on the next page. Unfortunately, I am unable to scan and post it. Here's the caption from the photo:

George Cameron Stone wrote:

Spider Helmet, French, 17th century. The hanging bars are hinged and can be folded back over the crown. Metropolitan Museum.

Sorry if you already had the information regarding time, place, and function. I'll dig through my books and see what else I can come up with! Maybe someone else could post the picture from Stone's glossary.

Hope this helped a bit!

Stay safe!

Hello again!

I've found a bit more information regarding the "spider helmet" in Arms and Armor: the Cleveland Museum of Art by Stephen N. Fliegel. The book shows two views of a 17th century French cavalry "spider helmet", one with the "legs" raised, and one with the "legs" lowered. The caption claims the "legs" protected the mounted soldier's face and head from slashing sword blows. These definitely seem to be considered cavalry helmets.

Again, sorry I can't post the photo. I have a very annoying scanner that only takes single documents. Maybe someone else could find it and post it, knowing where to look.

I hope this information was at least slightly useful!

Stay safe!

Thanks heaps..........thats great info...........I didnt know that they were hinged....certinally never seen a pic of one with the spider-legs up ! .........theres not much info about for so very many items......I could make quite a list of missing data !
Thanks !

Merv,
I'm glad my information was helpful!
Now, if someone else could post some pictures...
Stay safe!

They also have a very nice one at the castle museum york. It is interesting that some of the legs on the one i worked with moved while some (the back) were stationary. I will look for pictures.

Randall

Attached is the spider helm from The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1921.1258.

Cavalry Spider Helmet
France, 17th Century
iron with black paint

In the configuration shown, the "spider arms" are down, in a position intended to protect the wearer.

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Cleveland Museum of Art
1921.1258

Would these be worn as shown or maybe under a hat as a type of " secrete " from the French for secret or concealed.

The spidery arms / legs ? seem as they would fold up over the helmet and the whole thing would be well hidden.

Just take of the hat and the little metal bars fall into place giving extra slash protection to the lower face and neck all around the head.

As stand alone helms it sort of looks " UGLY " to me and a more conventional Burgonet or Lobstertail helm would at least look better.

The legs are hinged, often spring-loaded, and lock in place.

Thank you very much Nathan ! In my 5-6 years of web research-surfing this is the first non postage stamp sized decent spider helm shot that Ive seen !
And , Jean, Im sitting here smiling cause my over active imagination is picturing this Spider-helmeted dude riding all over the countryside with his spider legs tucked up under his hat and scaring the heck out of all the ladies every time he tips his hat when the legs fall down.......poor suckers prob. wondered why they never got a date !! :eek: :lol: