LOT 0251

Greek Bronze Chalcidian Helmet

5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.

16 1/2 in. (2.7 kg total, 42.5 cm high including stand).

Of Kunze Group VII, formed from two curved segments, each with a flared rim, nasal, raised panels to the upper section of the bowl, repoussé ridge forming curved brows, a recess for the ear to each side; star-shaped attachment to the top with slot for plumes; restored and with replica cheek pieces.

Acquired in the 1970s.
Ex private Austrian collection.
The Kusmirek Collection, UK

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Accompanied by a report of metallurgical analytical results, written by metallurgist Dr Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History of Art, University of Oxford.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11763-203979.

Cf. Pflug, H., 'Chalkidische Helme' in: Antike Helme, RGZM Monographien 14, Mainz, 1988, pp.137-150; Hixenbaugh, R., Ancient Greek Helmets, a complete guide and catalogue, New York, 2019, figs.X185-X229; see also Chernenko, E.V., The Scythians 700-300 BC, Hong Kong, 1998.

Among the Chalcidian helmet types, the fifth and last typology, corresponding to the Kunze group VII (Pflug, 1988, p.138), was characterised by the presence of detached cheek-guards. By the end of the 5th century BC, the fixed cheek-pieces had been entirely abandoned on the Chalcidian helmets for the more versatile hinged cheek pieces. As is the case with most of the Greek helmets in 5th and 4th century B.C., very few originals have been found on the Greek continent. Several district regional workshops produced such helmets by the 5th century B.C.: mainland Greece, the Black Sea Coast, Thrace, Southern Italy and Iberia.