Close Helmet

Close Helm

Close Helmet

Iron
Origin: Netherlands, Early 17th Century
Context: James Fort Blacksmith Shop/Bakery

The helmet would have been part of a full suit of personal armor that a gentleman himself would commission or purchase, as opposed to the type of protection supplied by the Virginia Company to lower status individuals. The face covering (visor), and neck and chin covering (bevor) portions (pictured) are two of the three main armor components of a close helmet recovered from a cellar at Jamestown. Over 400 years ago, the two components were removed from the helmet and discarded in an “open” position with the bevor rotated 180 degrees in orientation from the visor.

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Senior Staff Archaeologist Mary Anna Hartley excavating the close helm
Senior Staff Archaeologist Mary Anna Hartley excavating the close helm
Director of Collections and Conservation Michael Lavin uses air abrasion to remove rust from the close helm
Director of Collections and Conservation Michael Lavin uses air abrasion to remove rust from the close helm
X-raying the close helm helped guide the conservators' methods of conservation
X-raying the close helm helped guide the conservators’ methods of conservation
A digital reconstruction of the close helm showing the bevor with the correct orientation in regards to the visor
A digital reconstruction of the close helm showing the bevor with the correct orientation

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