Volga Bulgar Bronze Lion Belt Mount Group

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. 2.7 kg total, 42.5 cm high including stand

Restored, but in general good condition, rare details

Acquired 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.

Among 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. As is the case with most of the Greek helmets in 5th and 4th century B.C., very few originals have been found on the Greek continent. Several district regional workshops produced such helmets by the 5th century B.C.: mainland Greece, the Black Sea Coast, Thrace, Southern Italy and Iberia.

The blade with a gently curved profile; handle formed as a horse's hoof with bone scales. 399 grams, 60 cm long



Acquired by the vendors father on the UK art market, before 1990.

Comprising four large pyramidal projections, four smaller above and below, ropework detailing; circular shaft hole. 286 grams, 67 mm



Acquired in Munich in the 1970s. From an old German collection.