C., Fig.

5.] We cannot positively say that they invented the crest; but they certainly dealt with it in the free spirit which is usually seen where a custom is of home growth and not a foreign importation.

They used either a plain metal crest, or one surmounted by tuffs of hair; and they either simply curved the crest forwards over the front of the helmet, or extended it and carried it back-wards also.

In this latter case they generally made the curve a complete semicircle, while occasionally they were content with a small segment, less even than a quarter of a circle.

They also varied considerably the shape of the lappet over the ear, and the depth of the helmet behind and before the lappet.
[Illustration: PLATE 101] Assyrian coats of mail were of three sizes, and of two different constructions.