R-1 Unusual Indo-Persian helmet. Basic bowl shape of the kulah khud but with an additional lower section and sloping front and back visors-profusely chiseled with gold washed figures (including a bowman on horseback), tigers attacking animals and elaborate floral work. The front visor extends 3 1/2" from the base of the bowl and may actually serve to protect the bridge of the nose. The area above the visor has a 2"x3" gold inlayed face with eyes indented and a raised nose. The rest of the skull is decorated with 4 large gold inlayed angular frames and 4 smaller inlayed "mosque windows" with gold designs. Two plume holders have floral engravings and a gold outline. In place of a spike the top is adorned with an 8" trident (a symbol of the god Siva) which screws into a tapered base. Some gold remains on the lower part of the trident and around the floral work on the base.No interior lining. An interesting helmet showing the influence of other cultures. Circa Qajar Period, 18th - 19th Century. II

See description for I-III scale (III=poor)