AN ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE PILOS HELMET 400-200 BC (ED.24.035)

This helmet is composed of bronze, formed from a single sheet hammered into shape. It is a Greek pilos helmet dating to the 4th–3rd century BC, distinguished by a carination above the brim and conical design. While an earthy green patina remains consistent throughout, exhibiting multiple layers of oxide and corrosion that have produced a mottled green patina. Overall, this large helmet is in an attractive condition and would have been a visually impressive piece in antiquity. In conclusion, the helmet displays all the defining features and constructional characteristics of an ancient Greek pilos-type helmet.

Provenance

  • Private Greek Australian collector Elias (Louis) Dounis, acquired August 2024 (ED.24.035).

  • With Alexander Ancient Art in the collection of Alexander Biesbroek (n. C1086), Netherlands, acquired in December 2016.

  • Previously with Art Ancient London, in the collection of Costas Paraskevaides, acquired in June 2015.

  • Previously with the London based Greek collector Kyriacos Kyriacou, acquired 22.4.2009.

  • Originally in the collection of Axel Guttmann acquired in 1991 Krefeld (AG 408/H 348).

Exhibitions

  • Brussels Ancient Art Fair (BAAF), (21.1.2017-29.1.2017)

    Place du Grand Sablon 1000 Brussels Belgium.

  • Olympia Art and Antiques Fair, (20.6.2018-27.6.2018)

    Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX, London.

  • The Antiques Arms Fair, (2.3.2019)

    Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX, London.

  • TEFAF Maastricht, International Art Fair, (16.3.2019-24.3.2019)

    6229 GV Maastricht, Netherlands.

  • OPUS Ancient Art Fair Exhibition, (13.10.2022-16.10.2022)

    Galerie Joseph, 116 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris.

  • PAN Amsterdam, International Art Fair, (19.11.2023-26.11.2023)

    Dijsselhofplantsoen 14-1077 BL Amsterdam.

  • The Hellenic Museum Australia.

    280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

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

    Identifier: L.2024.4.C

Publications

  • Hermann Historica, Munich, 22 April 2009, lot 331.

  • Biesbroek, A. (2017) “Alexander Ancient Art Catalogue” p. 33 & 34.

  • Hixenbaugh, R. (2019) “Ancient Greek Helmets: A Complete Guide” p.535, n.H271.

  • Tales Of Alexander The Great (2024). “Ancient Greek Helmet Design” Instagram Video.

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

Find Spot

Unknown, likely discovered in Greece 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.

Our online gallery is continually being enhanced through ongoing research and documentation. We welcome any additional information or insights and invite you to contact us.