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Lot Essay
The construction of this mask, formed from a thin iron core and then covered with tinned brass, resulting in a silvery hue, indicates that it was created for use in battle rather than parades. The iron would have provided additional protection for the soldier. The mask was once attached by means of a hinge at the upper edge to a helmet consisting of a skull-section and two check-pieces and is an early example of Roman Imperial armour.
With a triangular face, pierced nostrils and horizontal slits for the eyes and mouth, it is clear that this mask once belonged to a helmet of Weiler/Koblenz-Bubenheim or Weisenau type. It is of special interest because it is the only known example that preserves a clear inscription, here reading either “Paulus’ horse troop, property of Fuscius” or “Paulus Fuscius’ horse troop.” According to M. Junkelmann (op. cit.), this inscription is the first epigraphical instance which confirms that helmets and masks of this type were worn by members of the cavalry.
With a triangular face, pierced nostrils and horizontal slits for the eyes and mouth, it is clear that this mask once belonged to a helmet of Weiler/Koblenz-Bubenheim or Weisenau type. It is of special interest because it is the only known example that preserves a clear inscription, here reading either “Paulus’ horse troop, property of Fuscius” or “Paulus Fuscius’ horse troop.” According to M. Junkelmann (op. cit.), this inscription is the first epigraphical instance which confirms that helmets and masks of this type were worn by members of the cavalry.