Netherlands, Kingdom. A 17th Century Zischägge

A Lobster-Tailed Pot Helmet, also known as a zischägge, 

featuring a blackened steel shell (magnetic), a rounded skull with a multi directional comb increasing strength of the skull itself, with hand forged ring at top. Front visor with rounded crimped edging with a forward projecting peak, marked with stamped "F" and "3", with sliding nasal bar held by original screw post assembly, marked "4" and "4", The characteristic lobster tail itself is composed of four individual scales each riveted and firmly in place with original mobility. Also intact is the leather reinforcing that runs the perimeter of the tail. The two original perforated cheekpieces remain and suspended by delicate leather which shows residue from modern repairs. The interior is without the helmets original horsehair padding however leather framing remains at both back and front. Interior circumference is 66 cm, with a total length from visor to tail of 42 cm and a height of 23 cm from skull to bottom of cheekpieces. An excellent and early display piece with all primary components, structurally sound, and fine. 

Footnote:  Lobster-tailed pot helmet, also known as the zischägge, horseman's pot and harquebusier's pot, was a type of combat helmet. It was derived from an Ottoman Turkish helmet type. From c. 1600, it became popular in most of Europe and was especially worn by cavalrymen and officers. The helmet gradually fell out of use in most of Europe in the late 17th century; however, the Austrian heavy cavalry retained it for some campaigns as late as the 1780s.