AN IMPRESSIVE ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE PILOS HELMET 400-200 BC (ED.24.046)

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. A bronze disc with a large ring on the crown of the helmet as well as helical sockets with serpent head finals for the helmet crest on either side. Two holes on each side above the lower rim of the helmet for chinstraps, with a disc in the shape of a four-spoked wheel soldered above them. Another hole on the back of the helmet. 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 December 2024 (ED.24.046).

  • With the Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins in the collection of Christian Levett, acquired 07.10.2009.

  • Originally in the collection of Axel Guttmann acquired in the 1980s (AG 526/H 178).

Exhibitions

  • Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins, 2011-2023 (Inv. no. MMoCA502).

  • The Hellenic Museum Australia.

    280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

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

    Identifier: L.2024.4.C

Publications

  • Antiken der Sammlung Axel Guttmann, Auktion 58, Hermann Historica, Munich, 7 October 2009, lot 195.

  • Burns, M. (2011) "Graeco-Italic Militaria" in M. Merrony, ed., Mougins Museum of Classical Art, Mougins, p. 212, fig. 90.

  • Hixenbaugh, R. (2019) “Ancient Greek Helmets: A Complete Guide” p.525, n.H272.

  • The Levett Collection, Factsheet (2023) “Bronze Pilos helmet 300BC”.

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