On Sunday, March 21, Czerny's auction house in Italy carried out an excellent sale of fine and rare militaria.
Amongst the collectible pieces was a beautiful 17th century French helmet. The 'skull' is in two halves, embossed with rays, a rosette at the top. The visor has an engraved upper border, small brim and rivets whilst the beautiful ventail has a wide eye slot, small triangular mouth.
The piece, which came from the well known Dr Massimo Paleari Hennsler collection, is supposed to have belonged to a bodyguard of French King Louis XIII (pictured), known as 'The Just', who prosecuted the Thirty Years War against the Hapsburgs in the early 16th century.
 Louis XIII Guard Helmet |
The piece brought a healthy €30,000 - exactly its higher estimate. Also in the auction was a rare pair of Puffer wheel-lock pistols thought to have been used by guard of the Saxony princes Christian I and II at a similar time to that of Louis.
These unusual pieces excited bidders who pushed past the guide price with the winning bidder taking them home for €45,000.
Those interested in collecting fine militaria may wish to take a look at these pieces, which are currently available.
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