AN IMPORTANT ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE PILOS HELMET 400-200 BC (ED.23.018)

This helmet is formed from a single hammered bronze sheet, skilfully worked into a rounded conical form. The separately cast horn attachments are secured to the crown by 2 rivets on each side, with several additional rivets securing the the top plate, for further stability. Small ring-eyelet is preserved at the front of the helmet, almost certainly serving as attachment points for a horsehair crest or decorative plume. The lower edge terminates in a slightly flaring rolled rim, while the surface displays an attractive reddish-brown cuprite patina interspersed with areas of green malachite encrustation, consistent with long-term burial.

Provenance

  • Private Greek Australian collector Elias (Louis) Dounis, acquired December 2023 (ED.23.018).

  • With Christopher Bacher Ancient Art, Vienna (Ref: 2464), acquired 07.10.2021.

  • Formerly in the Gilles Grimm collection Paris, acquired 2009.

  • Originally part of the Axel Guttmann collection acquired in Krefeld Germany 1994 (AG 527/H179).

Exhibitions

  • Art & Antiques Hofburg Vienna, Art Fair November 9-14th 2022.

  • Hoplites and Legionaries; Viaduktgasse 1030 Vienna, March 9th 2023.

  • The Hellenic Museum Australia.

    280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

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

    Identifier: L.2024.3.F

Publications

  • Grimm, G. (2018) “Collection Part 1: Archeology” p.55, N.129.

  • Hixenbaugh, R. (2019) “Ancient Greek Helmets: A Complete Guide” p.532, n.246.

  • Bell, B. (2024) “Greek Pilos Bronze Helmet 400-200 BC” Conservation Report.

  • Dounis, C. (2026). “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 gold gilt is likely components of a more elaborate funerary assemblage and would have accompanied the warrior in burial. The corrosion and patination suggest deep burial and prolonged contact with soil over an extended period.

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