A rare Mamluk steel helmet, Egypt, late 15th/early 16th century

the bowl of domed conical form with knop finial, the curving nasal-guard with stylised palmette finial, attached backward-everted neck-guard, one moulded cheek-guard and visor, bordered by stamped brass bands secured by copper rivets, with stand 

Patches of pitting and patination, corrosion leading to a small cluster of holes to the back and top left, two larger holes to the front left and side, cheek-guard attached to stand, not helmet, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Similar examples are in the Hermitage (inv. nos. 37 and 38, unpublished), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. 36.25.116), the Furusiyya Art Foundation (Paris 2002a, no.134, p.171), the Khalili Collection (Alexander 1992, no.55, pp.108-109) and the Musée du Louvre (Atil 1981, no.41, pp.112-113; Paris 1977, no.411, pp.188-189), though the richest collection of Mamluk arms and armour is to be found in the Topkapi Palace and Military Museum in Istanbul, captured as booty from the Mamluks after their defeat at the hands of the Ottomans in 1516-17.  A similar helmet was sold in these rooms, 18 April 2007, lot 75.

The Ottomans clearly admired and coveted Mamluk weaponry given the substantial quantity that was brought back from Damascus and Cairo following the fall of the dynasty. The inscriptions on the Louvre helmet state that it was made for Sultan Barsbay (1422-38) which makes it one of the earliest of the group that survives; the others are mostly from the latter half of the fifteenth century and the reign of Sultan Qaitbay (1468-96). The nasal on the Louvre piece bears the tamga mark of the Ottoman arsenal (also featured on the Furusiyya helmet) which would have been added upon arrival in Istanbul.

The use and re-use of these weapons by the Ottomans meant that repairs were often carried out with later addtions.  For example, on this helmet the brass borders have been added for additional strength.  The distinctive high-relief form of the cheek-piece is a feature shared by the Furusiyya helmet (Paris 2002a, no.134, p.171). The continuity of design in sixteenth- and even seventeenth-century Ottoman helmets is attested by the fine example in the Kremlin, Moscow, brought back by the Tsar's envoy to Istanbul in 1632 (Paris 2002a, no.110, pp.152-3).