AN EARLY ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE ILLYRIAN HELMET 600-500 BC (ED.24.024)

This superb example features elegant elongated cheek pieces, a finely executed minute punched decorative repoussé running around the outer perimeter edge, and a distinctive raised crest box, an extremely rare feature for this helmet type. Also present are raised parallel ridges across the brow. The cranial and brow ridges are preserved in excellent condition. The hand-punched decorative repoussé adorning the entire perimeter of the helmet remains clearly visible, with an attractive patination, and earthy encrustations present in the interior of the helmet.

Provenance

• Private Greek Australian collector Elias (Louis) Dounis, acquired April 2024 (ED.24.024).

• Apollo Ancient Art gallery London in the collection of Dr. Ivan Bonchev, acquired in 2023.

• New York Private collection, acquired from Fortuna Fine Arts New York, in the 1990s.

• Collection of Hans Hagmann, Germany acquired in the 1980s.

• Originally in an old German collection purchased from an antiques dealer in the 1960s.

Exhibitions

• Ancient Art Exhibition; 63-64 Margaret St. London, W1W 8SW.

  Apollo Ancient Art Gallery; 27.10.2023.

• The Hellenic Museum Australia.

  280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

  Exhibition; Heroes & Hoplites, Warfare In Ancient Greece, 2019.

  Identifier: L.2024.5.A

Publications

• Brenchley, J. (2023). “Comprehensive Study: Ancient Greek Illyrian Bronze Helmet” Report.

• Neri, A. (2024). “Archaeological Study: Greek Illyrian Bronze Helmet” Report.

• Dounis, C. (2024). “Comprehensive Study: Greek Bronze Illyrian Helmet” Report.

Find Spot

Unknown, likely Greece or further north, where a number of comparable helmets have been excavated. The corrosion and patination suggest deep burial and prolonged contact with soil over an extended period.

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