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LOT 0306
Roman Bronze Legionary Helmet with Inscription
1ST CENTURY B.C.
11 in. (17 3/4 in.) (2.2 kg, 28 cm (4 kg total, 45 cm high including stand)).
Montefortino helmet with bulbous domed skull and a plain crest knob with flattened top; plain and flat neck guard with thickened rim; the front with punched Latin inscription 'A N CFN'; the surface largely covered in marine encrustations; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
ProvenancePrivate European collection, acquired 2001.
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 searcher certificate no.11576-198953.
Cf. Robinson, R., The Armour of Imperial Rome, New York, 1975, pls.22-27, pp.18ff.; Schaaf, U., 'Etruskich-Römische Helme' in Antike Helme, RGZM Monographien 14, Mainz, 1988, pp.318-326, and nos.112-113; D'Amato, R., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier, London, 2009, fig.20; Junkelmann, M., Römische Helme, Mainz, 2000, pp.52ff., pl.VI (AG 537); Travis, H. & Travis J., Roman Helmets, Stroud, 2014, pp.51-52.
FootnotesThis Montefortino specimen belongs to type C or D of Robinson’s classification, also identified under the continental system as Buggenum. The helmets of this category, mainly legionary helmets, were produced in mass by the state to be supplied to the troops fighting in the civil wars of the 1st century B.C. Artistic sources of the same period provide evidence for the use of Montefortino and Buggenum type helmets in sea battles, which has been confirmed by archaeological finds from the Albenga ship. Legionary helmets bore punched inscriptions, indicating the name of the wearer and the unit, i.e. cohors, centuria or turma. Here the punched letters 'AN' refer probably to the initials of the owner (Ancus N.?), and 'CFN' to centuria of Fabius C.
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Opening Bid: £50
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14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £83
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Avar-Byzantine Silver-Gilt Sword Belt Mount Group
7th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising three belt mounts later remounted onto brown leather comprising: a rectangular strap end with rounded terminal, decorated with granulated borders, lozenges and chevrons; two roughly D-shaped mounts with apex flourish and waisted sides, also decorated with granulated lozenges and chevrons. 26.5 grams, 12.2 cm long
Fine condition.
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