Iron helmet (known as the "Spanish" helmet)

This iron helmet, dated to approximately 1580, is often referred to as the ‘Spanish helmet’, although there is nothing to suggest that it is Spanish in origin. It is a ‘close helmet’ and although the style is European, it is not necessarily Spanish. It could have been made in England or northern Italy.

It was found in Wellington Harbour some time before 1904 and has since been repeatedly cited as evidence of European contact with New Zealand prior to the arrival of Abel Tasman in 1642. Its state of preservation suggests it was immersed in seawater for only a short time. It shows no signs of marine encrustation, although it could have been cleaned. Archival material in the Museum shows that so little is known about the helmet that it cannot be used as evidence of European contact with New Zealand before Tasman.

The helmet may have been a souvenir or heirloom brought out by an immigrant. It may have also been given as a presentation piece or as trade to local Māori in much the same way as armour was presented to Hongi Hika, Tītore, and a sword to Te Rauparaha. The helmet was first recorded in the museum's collections in 1904 - 1905. It is not known when or how the museum acquired the helmet. It was recorded as ‘found in Wellington Harbour’, with no date of the supposed finding specified.