17th-18th C. Indian Khulah Khud helmet

Indian armor is rare, and Indian helmets especially so. This example is a classic and fine example of a Mughal era piece of armor. The helmet bowl is beautifully decorated with gold koftgari and is likely made of watered steel wootz. The nasal protection piece is beautifully made with two leaf shaped end pieces that give it the distinct Indian shape and decoration. The chainmail is particularly fine quality as well, made of riveted, not butted links. The main helmet bowl also features a very old and finely made repair, of a small brass plate, to cover up a pierced hole, right in the front of the skull where an arrow could have pierced through into the front cortex.

A wonderful addition to any Indian arms and armor collection.

For reference see Pant Indian Armors in the National Museum Collection: A Catalogue, examples # 14, 15, and 16, 25, 29 and 30, all dated to the 17th and early 18th century between the Mughals and the Rajputs. None have the beautiful floral nasal guard featured on our example.