The Chalcidian helmet was a popular type of helmet in the Hellenistic world, particularly in the Greek occupied region of Southern Italy, during the 5th and 4th centuries, although types have also been found from the mid-6th century BC. It was a lightweight progression from the Corinthian helmet and allowed the wearer better hearing and vision than its older, bulkier Corinthian counterparts. The term ‘Chalcidian’ originates from its frequent depiction on pottery once thought to have come from the Euboean city of Chalcis. This variant of the Chalcidian helmet, with hinged cheek plates, is also known as the Lucanian type as it was used extensively in Lucania. This type of helmet was still in use by the time of Alexander the Great, particularly by the hoplites, heavy infantrymen, and is thought to have developed into the Attic helmet, iconic of Classical soldiers.
Greek Bronze Chalcidian-Type Helmet
£ 23,000.00
A striking Ancient Greek Chalcidian-type helmet, hammered from a sheet of bronze. The helmet consists of a hemispherical dome, with a seam at the front and back. The seams are secured together with a series of pins, threaded through rivet holes. From the front, a repoussé ridge forms curved brows that lead down towards a nasal decorated with four pellets. Two small perforations can be seen above the right brow and there is a perforation on either side of the top section of the helmet. On either side, two cheek guards, a characteristic of the helmet’s type, have been attached to the helmet with hinges, allowing for easier wear and construction. The cheek-pieces are rectangular in shape and curved at the back. A horizontal band of inverted triangles decorates the top of each cheek guard. They have each been pierced towards the bottom, where an inner lining, often made of leather, would have been attached. Behind, two curved arches have been cut out of the helmet for the wearer’s ears. A superb artefact from the Ancient Greek world which is complete and intact.
Provenance: From the J.L. collection, Surrey, U.K., acquired 2020s. Previously from the Parthenon Gallery, WC1, London, U.K., acquired 2010.
Condition: Excellent condition. Complete and intact, with moveable hinges. Evidence of repairs to strengthen the hinges, one of the barrels is broken and therefore the pin, although secure, rests below the hinge on one side. A repair to the crack of the arch behind the right-hand cheek guard. Evidence of strengthening of the bronze on the inside of the helmet. Some glue residue visible in the seam on the back. Minor chips, scratches, perforations, and surface pitting visible on the surface, as consistent with its age. One of the pellets decorating the nasal is now missing. A beautiful green patina to the surface.
| Weight | 772 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 19 x W 13 x H 30.5 cm |
| Region | Southern Europe |
| Metal | Bronze |
Reference: For a similar item, The Walters Art Museum, item 54.2468
