Although here we record it for the first time, it appears in almost its final shape. But we must take into consideration that the war hat depicted in the famous wall-painting formerly in the old Palace of Westminster, from which coloured engravings were published by the Society of Antiquaries in the "Archaeologia," is almost of the same form, though these mural paintings are considered of even earlier date (Fig. 143).
In the third subject of this French illumination (Fig. 142) we observe that all the warriors wear the simple coif over the steel caps. None carries the helm; which goes to prove that the helm, though now but a light head-*piece compared with those of later date, was only put on at the last minute before a combat. As in the other illustrations, the details of the shields, lances, and the general equestrian accoutrements are admirably rendered.
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Fig. 143. From the painted chamber, Palace of Westminster
Showing the chapel-de-fer. Early XIIIth century
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Fig. 144. From the painted chamber, Palace of Westminster
The centre figure in the lower row wears a form of primitive helm. Early XIIIth century
We have for the first time mentioned the large helm in describing the details of this remarkable illumination, which we may date at about 1250-70; but some forty years anterior to this date we note a helm-like head-piece figuring in the frescoes of the painted chamber at Westminster, to which we have just referred. In company with the warrior wearing this helm are others wearing the coif of mail, and not a few covered with the conical head-piece with a nasal-guard—a most perplexing combination which proves the overlapping of fashions in head defence (Fig. 144). Of a date following closely upon this comes the Seal of Richard I, on which the King
