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Lot Essay
This powerful helmet is composed of an iron core laminated with embossed tinned bronze. The basic form is that of an Attic helmet, with a horizontal, flaring neck-guard and hinged cheek-pieces that cover the ears. The ornament consists of two stylized bands of laurel, one that encircles and one that runs across the crown. Within the lunate-shaped spaces created at each side by the laurel bands is an eagle wing above a lozenge-filled rectangle. Standing on a raised groundline at the back is a spread-winged eagle, flanked by two lozenge-filled rectangular elements topped with triangles. Along the side edges, ear-guards are riveted in place. The cheek-guards, cusped along their forward edge, have naturalistically-modelled ears, a central circular boss perhaps representing an equestrian shield (parma equestris), and scallop shells within the corners, all outlined by beading.
This helmet has been classified as transitional between the Weiler/Koblenz-Bubenheim type and the Guisborough/Theilenhofen type (see D’Amato and Negin, op. cit., p. 85). It has been suggested that this is one of the most complete examples known, as it is only missing the peaked diadem that was once attached at the forehead. The authors also inform that despite its rich decoration, there is no reason to believe that this helmet would not have been worn in combat rather than serving purely as a parade item. For a Roman marble head of a warrior wearing a helmet similarly adorned with laurel, but with different cheek-pieces, see pl. 295 in R. D’Amato and G. Sumner, Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier, From Marius to Commodus, 112 BC-AD 192. The eagle on the back of this helmet was a common military symbol for the Roman legions, as they were employed on the military standards carried into battle by the aquilifer or “eagle-bearer.” The eagle was also an attribute of Jupiter, so its presence on the helmet would have provided symbolic protection from the chief of the Roman gods.
This helmet has been classified as transitional between the Weiler/Koblenz-Bubenheim type and the Guisborough/Theilenhofen type (see D’Amato and Negin, op. cit., p. 85). It has been suggested that this is one of the most complete examples known, as it is only missing the peaked diadem that was once attached at the forehead. The authors also inform that despite its rich decoration, there is no reason to believe that this helmet would not have been worn in combat rather than serving purely as a parade item. For a Roman marble head of a warrior wearing a helmet similarly adorned with laurel, but with different cheek-pieces, see pl. 295 in R. D’Amato and G. Sumner, Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier, From Marius to Commodus, 112 BC-AD 192. The eagle on the back of this helmet was a common military symbol for the Roman legions, as they were employed on the military standards carried into battle by the aquilifer or “eagle-bearer.” The eagle was also an attribute of Jupiter, so its presence on the helmet would have provided symbolic protection from the chief of the Roman gods.