The Griffon Helm, around 1540. Italy.

This bourguignotte is a typical, though marvelously crafted, example of how Mannerism is reflected in arms and armour.

Elaborate decorations and shapes of fantastic animals became common for the parade armour. Griffon, a beast from ancient mythology, was both a tribute to the fascination with antiquity and an animalistic representation of it’s owner’s might and fury. As the visor was raised, the knight became half-man half-beast.

Musée de l’Armée

Easily the creepiest helmet I’ve seen in my armour appreciation life. It even beats this. But not the fanciest of all the Italian bourguignottes, let’s be fair.