LOT 1087

Greek Fragmentary Bronze Pilos Helmet

5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.

3/8 - 9 5/8 in. (951 grams total, 1-24.5 cm).

Conical in shape, comprising a thick hammered bowl and broad rim with carination to the upper edge; remains of crest at brow and rear; a restoration project. [No Reserve]

Ex Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Germany [1944-2001].
with Hermann Historica, 13 October 2010, lot 2169 [Part].

Cf. Waurick, G., 'Der Pilos-Typ' in Antike Helme, RGZM Monographien 14, Mainz, 1988, pp.151-158, spec. no.K48, p.437; Connolly, P., Greece and Rome at war, London, 1981, pp.66,70; Sekunda, N., The ancient Greeks, Armies of Classical Greece 5th and 4th centuries BC, London, 1986, pp.25-26, 30-31, 47-48, 56-57, pls.F,G,H; Hixenbaugh, R., Ancient Greek Helmets, a complete guide and catalogue, New York, 2019, figs.H185ff.

This type of helmet (called ‘bell-helmet’ by Connolly, 1981, p.70), named pilos after the Greek felt cap (in the Laconian shape, but distinguished from the cap by the noticeable point and the shape of the rim), had a conical shape and was pointed or rounded at the top. Its introduction was linked with the streamlining of Hoplite equipment, and it soon the replaced the closed Corinthian helmet. The helmet was widespread in the Greek and Mediterranean world from the last quarter of the 5th century B.C. and was widely used by continental Greeks, South Italian Greeks and Italic people, Etruscans, and even Romans.