127 - A REMARKABLY WELL-PRESERVED CHALCIDIAN HELMET, TINNED BRONZE, GREECE, 5TH-4TH CENTURY BC

A REMARKABLY WELL-PRESERVED CHALCIDIAN HELMET, TINNED BRONZE, GREECE, 5TH-4TH CENTURY BC Expert’s note Formed from hammered bronze sheet and subsequently tinned to impart a striking silvery hue, the present helmet preserves much of its original tinned surface, offering a rather rare glimpse of how such armor would have appeared nearly 2,500 years ago. Skillfully hammered, composed of a high-rising calotte divided into two halves by a pronounced central ridge and separated from the lower helmet wall by an inward-curving step. The ear cut-outs are bordered by raised, outward-curving rims, while the eyebrows are similarly rendered in raised relief. The eye openings are separated by a lanceolate nose guard and flanked by matching cheek guards, rounded at the rear and angular at the front, each attached to the helmet bowl by a hinge. A perforation at the lower end of each cheek guard allowed the helmet to be secured beneath the chin. At the rear, a short neck guard projects horizontally from the helmet bowl. Provenance: H. M. Luther Antiques, London, United Kingdom, 1973. Collection of Arthur M. Sackler, acquired from the above. Subsequently on the American and, later, Belgian art markets. A copy of the invoice from H. M. Luther Antiques, dated 18 May 1973, addressed to Arthur M. Sackler, confirming the attribution and dating above. Condition: Very good condition with old wear, casting irregularities, traces of weathering, areas of deep corrosion, signs of prolonged burial, small dents, and surface scratches. The suspension pins of the cheekpieces are possibly replaced. While areas of the surface display an attractive malachite-green patina, remarkably, approximately 60–70% of the original tin surface remains intact, representing an outstanding degree of preservation. Weight: 938.2 g (excl. stand), 2.5 kg (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 34.3 cm (excl. stand), 38.8 cm (incl. stand) With an associated metal stand. (2) Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 30 January 2024, lot 14 Price: USD 315,000 or approx. EUR 301,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Greek tinned bronze Chalcidian helmet, Late Classical to Hellenistic Period, circa 350-200 BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, refined craftmanship, and tinned surface. Note the similar size (31.7 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 4 July 2024, lot 120 Price: GBP 38,400 or approx. EUR 48,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Greek bronze Chalcidian helmet, circa 5th-4th century BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and refined craftmanship. Note that the tin surface has almost completely vanished due to the extensive patina. Due to length restriction on Drouot this entry is shortened. For full description please visit www.zacke.at.