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

  • Hermann Historica, Munich, 23 April 2009, lot 329.

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

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

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

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

Find Spot

Unknown, likely discovered in Greece or southern Italy where a large number of similar helmets have been excavated. Corrosion and patination suggest deep burial and longterm contact with soil. The corrosion and patination suggest deep burial and prolonged contact with soil over an extended period.

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