Antique Islamic Indo Persian Helmet Kulah - Khud

Antique late 19th century Indo - Persian Islamic helmet Kulah-Khud. A hemi-spherical steel skull formed of one steel plate surmounted by domed plate with the hole on the center for the spike (missing). Reinforced at the center with curved steel bar, flanked by two plume holders and adorned with four lobed medallions containing scripts in Arabic calligraphy and interrupted by floral ornaments. The bottom edge of the helmet pierced continuously with a row of small holes to attach camail of chain mail which is missing.

CONDITION: Showing age and usage, slightly rusty, camail of chain mail and the top spike are missing.

MEASUREMENTS:

Height from the top to the bottom of the edge: 15 cm (5.91 inches)

Diameter: 20 cm (7.87 inches)

REFERENCES:

A comparable helmet is published in the Christie’s London (South Kensigton) 2 MAY 2003. ISLAMIC AND INDIAN WORKS OF ART.

A Persian steel khula khud Qajar Lot: 163. Price realized: GBP 705. (21 years ogo).

Please see the link below:

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-persian-steel-...

The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.

The Khula Khud helmets have their origin in Central Asia but were extensively used in the Islamic world from the 17th to 19th centuries. These helmets were used in various regions, such as Mughal India, Persia, Central Asia, Arab countries, and the Ottoman Empire. Many of these helmets were worn by Ottoman soldiers and can now be seen displayed at the Topkapı Palace Museum in Istanbul.