1071 - A pastiche (composed of parts from various originals) of a southern Italian Pilos helmet, 4th–3rd centuries BC.

A pastiche (composed of parts from various originals) of a southern Italian Pilos helmet, 4th–3rd centuries BC. A typical Pilos helmet made from many parts of an original, but largely supplemented by fragments of other helmets or objects made of bronze sheet. The broken edges have been partially and haphazardly fitted together. A conical, sugar-loaf-shaped calotte with a rounded tip. At the bottom, separated by a constriction, is an approximately 4.3 cm wide, slightly outward-flaring brim, the lower end of which is reinforced by a ridge. The crest holders, with leaf-shaped attachments and upward-pointing prongs, are original and likely belonged to the main body of a helmet, of which larger sections—particularly from the lower part—have also been preserved. The helmet has been stabilized on the inside with green-dyed plastic. The exterior of the incorporated fragments mostly reveals the reddish-brown cuprite layer with green oxide spots. The seams have often been additionally patched with modern solder. The overall appearance presents a visually very pleasing example of a pilos helmet without any significant deformations and with a smooth, very well-prepared surface. Height 26 cm, width 20.5 cm, length 24.3 cm. Published in: Hermann Born, Restoration of Ancient Bronze Weapons. Axel Guttmann Collection, Vol. 2 (Mainz 1993), Example XIX (4 unnumbered pages). CULTURAL HERITAGE (modernly altered!) Provenance: From the Axel Guttmann Collection (estate). Acquired for the collection at Sotheby’s London, auction in December 1990 (Antiquities), Lot 483. Condition: II