Luristan Bronze Short Sword

A relatively heavy legionary helmet (cassis) of ‘Imperial Gallic Type’ with deep rounded bowl, simple C-shaped cut-outs for the ears, integral flared horizontal neck-guard extending some way along the sides, two corrugated ribs to the occipital area at the rear, intermitted by two bronze rivets, and four corrugated embossed 'wings' or prominent curved eyebrows flanking three riveted bosses arranged vertically; three studs on the rear of the neck-guard for attaching suspension loops to the preserved clasps of the cheek-guards (bucculae); hinged bracket at each temple once attaching the cheek-guard; embossed beaded brow band running from one ear opening to the other; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.03 kg, 26.5 cm front to back



Ex John Moore, York, UK, 1997. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 12789-240372. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

This early category of helmets was characterised by a hemispherical calotte and a slightly sloping neck guard. They were fitted with a pair of prominent curved eyebrows (symbolising the wings of Jupiter's thunderbolts) flanking rivetted bosses.

Comprising spherical macehead with teardrop and lozenge flanges; a nail with tapering square-section shank and rectangular flat head. 255 grams, 66 mm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The bowl forged from a single piece and fitted with removable cheek-pieces; the dome divided into two halves by a carinated ridge, the peaked crown separated from the lower helmet wall by an indented ridge; cut-outs for ears and eyes with raised edges; short, angular neck-guard and short nose-guard extending to the eyebrows; the cheek-pieces with contoured front edge, holes for a chin-strap; remains of textile on the left side of the bowl; accompanied by a display stand. 2.15 kg total, 43 cm high including stand



From the collection of T.K., Germany, 1970s. Acquired in 1992 by Mr R.K. Acquired by the present owner on the UK art market. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12782-240166. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Hinged cheek-pieces, like in our specimen, appeared in Thracia during the 4th century, but prototypes from the Pontic area and wider Greece show them already in use in the 5th century B.C. The traces of textile on the left part of our helmet show that it was stored inside a protective item -perhaps a case or bag – guarding it against atmospheric agents or possible damage when not in use.