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LOT 1051
Roman Bronze Military Mask Helmet Section
3RD CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (55 grams, 17 cm wide).
From the upper part of the right side of the face mask, the upper edge with a band of embossed curved lines, probably representing stylised hairs, intertwined with laurel crown; embossed image of advancing Mars, the god of war, to the centre, depicted nude with military sagum, a pseudo-Corinthian helmet to the head and carrying a circular shield.
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Cf. Robinson, R., The Armour of Imperial Rome, New York, 1975, pls.387-390; Garbsch, J., Römische Paraderustüngen, München, 1979; Born, H., Junkelmann, M., Römische Kampf-und Turnierrüstungen, Band VI, Sammlung Axel Guttmann, Mainz, 1997; D'Amato R., Negin, A., Decorated Roman Armour, London, 2017, fig.177.
FootnotesIn the decorative patterns of Roman helmets, Mars was among the most revered deities in the Imperial army. After Jupiter, he was the most aristocratic god of the old Italic religion, master of armament, who governed military service (militiae potens) and oversaw the training ground, for which he was named Campester. The emperor Augustus named him Ultor (‘Avenger’) and dedicated to him a luxurious temple in the centre of the forum in gratitude for his victory over the murderers of Caesar and, in addition, granted to him the privileges of the Capitoline Jupiter.
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Norman or Viking Period Iron Four-Plate Helmet
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Comprising four triangular plates each with curved profile mounted with the frontal and rear plates overlapping the lateral ones, rivetted; two small lateral rings for attachment of cheek-plates; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.36 kg total, 44 cm high including stand
Good condition; surface with some rusting but complete in its structure.
Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11754-202772.
The type of helmet composed from rivetted plates is a long-lived military fashion depicted from Late Antiquity to the medieval period. -
Greek Bronze Arrowhead Group
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French WWII Trench Periscope
1940s A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £33
Aluminium rotating bodied vertical trench periscope with camouflage finish, marked 'GT=6 / MICRO:GRADES' to one side and M.G. / No.34185' to other, fitted with hinged wood handle; including original leather case with loops for belt/webbing. 1.36 kg, 40 cm
The Kusmirek Collection, UK.
