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LOT 1152
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.
ProvenanceAcquired 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.
FootnotesAmong 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. Several district regional workshops produced such helmets by the 5th century B.C.: mainland Greece, the Black Sea Coast, Thrace, Southern Italy and Iberia.
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LOT 1152
Greek Bronze Chalcidian Helmet
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Greek and Other Bronze Tanged Arrowhead Collection
Circa 12th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising three tanged Luristan arrowheads, having elongated triangular blades and raised midrib, sharp central groove, cylindrical stem with handle for the shaft and barbed shoulders; eleven Greek paddle-shaped arrowheads with a flat and wide mid-rib, the blade shaped to a point; a small Persian or Greek foliate arrowhead with a long tang; a flat and foliate bronze arrowhead. 141 grams total, 49-85 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
In Greek warfare, archers were mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. The Luristan examples seem to belong to the type V, subcategory C of triangular arrowheads according to the classification of Khorasani and Negahban. -
Roman Bronze Armour Double Fastening Hooks
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Each a scrolled bar formed as a serpent or other animal with stylised geometric detailing; attachment perforations to both terminals. 19.6 grams total, 64-66 mm
Acquired on the London art market, 1980s-1990s.
In the 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D., the Celtic fastening system of the ring mail armour (gallica, lorica ferro aspera) became the standard in the Imperial Roman army, with a pivot attached to the breast and hinged to the edges of the humeralia (shoulder guards). The chest fastener had various different designs. The double hooks, S-shaped and usually with snake-head terminals, were secured by a central rivet on the chest. The system allowed excellent freedom of movement, giving greater protection to the shoulders and the arms. Similar fasteners for infantry mail have been found on the Kalkriese battlefield, some of them also decorated with niello and inscribed with the name of the soldier. -
Luristan Bronze Dirk
Circa 1000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Composed of a leaf-shaped blade with a raised penannular rib and slot below the shoulder connected to the grip with lateral flanges and integral pommel, recessed to accept an organic insert. 264 grams, 37.5 cm
From an old English collection, formed in the 1980s. The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
This dirk, cast in one piece mould, belongs to the daggers that Medvedskaya believes support the thesis that majority of them were cast in one piece. However, there are examples where the penannular grip was cast on later on the dagger or dirk.