A fine suite of gold and silver-damascened Persian armor
early 19th century
Comprising: 1) Helmet, kulah khud, the domed skull chiseled with florals and panels of birds enclosed by gold-damascened strapwork; the apex fitted with 5 inch spike, the front with two plume sockets and sliding nasal; lower edge of skull with inscribed and silver-damascened panels and fitted with scalloped coif of fine, butted links. Interior retaining thin, quilted lining. 2) Shield, dhal, fitted with brass reinforced rim, the center with four gold-damascened and floral chased bosses, the field chiseled and damascened en suite to the helmet; this enclosed by minor borders composed of small panels chased with florals and a major border having large panels with silver-damascened cursive inscriptions. Reverse with quilted backing. 3) Arm guard, bazu-band, chiseled and gold-damascened en suite to the helmet and shield and fitted below the slightly cusped wrist with buckles and portions of mail wrist band.
Condition: Showing some small areas of spotting/minor pitting. Tip of nasal slightly deformed. Plume socket on right side missing one rivet. Some losses to silvered decoration. Minor losses to mail. Shield lining partially detached.
See Illustration