MAGNA GRAECIA, LATE ARCHAIC TO CLASSICAL PERIOD, CIRCA 525-475 B.C.

The Apulo-Corinthian helmet type, also called Pseudo-Corinthian, was worn cap-like on top of the head, rather than enclosing the head in the manner of the earlier Corinthian prototype. The cheek-pieces of this new variant no longer serve their original purpose, as they now angle forward to function as a visor. The form of the nose-guard, eye-holes and gap between the cheek-pieces are now purely decorative and place this example early in the chronology. Above the eye-holes are large, embossed brows. At the back is a flaring neck-guard, and at the sides, perforations to secure a chin strap. The helmet is surmounted by a tall, forked plume-holder, riveted in place.

The type is found throughout southern Italy, with a high concentration from Apulia, suggesting that this was the place of manufacture. The chronological variations have been classified into five types by A. Bottini (see "Gli Elmi Apulo-Corinzi: Proposta di Classificazione," AION: Annali di archeologia e storia antica, vol. 12, 1990, pp. 23-37). This helmet is of Bottini’s Type A, which features open eyes, a nose-guard in raised relief and separated cheek-guards. For a similar example now in the British Museum, acquired in 1856, see acc. no. 1856,1226.669.