Fine pieces, like this mid-16th-century burgonet crafted by master armorer Joerg Sorg the Younger for the Hapsburg court ($160,000), hold great long-term appeal for specialist and generalist collectors alike. Developments in firearms made armor of this period largely symbolic, but its high level of decoration- as seen on this North Italian cavalry helmet ($45,000)- is starting to resonate with modern collectors. Composite armors-mixes of original and restored pieces-deliver big on aesthetics and are selling at a premium. Decorators are hungry for matching sets like this $80,000 German work, restored from the 16th century.
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