A rare Safavid damascened steel helmet, Iran, 17th century, of shallow domed form, with three plume holders with openwork floral attachments, the body decorated with overlaid gold scrolling tendrils with split-palmette terminals intercepted by cusped cartouches enclosing cursive inscriptions bordered by calligraphic cartouches and flowerheads above and below, a camail of chain mail with passages of gilding, 37cm. high overall with chainmail For a comparable example see Sotheby's 24 October, 2007, Lot 227. Please refer to department for condition report