903 - A Chalcidian helmet, Black Sea region, 4th century B.C.

A Chalcidian helmet, Black Sea region, 4th century B.C. Bronze helmet with tin plating covering the entire surface, which is exceptionally well-preserved apart from minimal corrosion marks, mostly on raised edges. The crown is divided into two halves by a central ridge and separated from the lower helmet wall by a distinct, inward-curving step. The lower helmet wall features prominently protruding arches at the cutouts for the ears and eyes. Between the eye arches is a lanceolate nose guard. Behind the ear cutouts, the helmet rim curves slightly downward for 5 cm; it then transitions, in the rear portion of the crown, to a neck guard that is offset slightly upward—up to 4 cm wide, extending almost horizontally, and slightly arched upward. The cheek guards are connected to the helmet shell by a five-part hinge, with two sockets belonging to each cheek guard. The corresponding cheek guards are present but loose. The right cheek guard has stress cracks and a small chip on the rear edge. Overall, an excellently preserved, beautifully shaped antique helmet with no missing parts or restorations. This helmet type belongs to a regional variant of later Chalcidian helmets from the northern Black Sea region. Height without cheek guards: 23.7 cm. Maximum width at the rear end of the ear cutout: 22 cm. Length: 25.8 cm. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: French private collection, acquired in the 1990s on the German art market. Condition: II