LONDON.- A remarkably well-preserved bronze helmet worn by a Greek hoplite warrior around 2,500 years ago is set to be a highlight at Apollo Art Auctions on January 25, 2025. The auction, titled "Fine Ancient Art, Antiquities & Jewellery," will feature a variety of artifacts, but this stunning Corinthian helmet is expected to draw considerable interest.

Estimated Price: £60,000 - £90,000 (approximately $72,000 - $108,000 USD)

Dating back to approximately 500-450 BC, during the Classical period of ancient Greece, the helmet is a prime example of the iconic Corinthian style. These helmets, known for their distinctive features, were crucial pieces of armor for hoplites – heavily armed foot soldiers who formed the backbone of Greek armies.



This particular helmet exhibits the classic Corinthian characteristics:

• Almond-shaped eye holes: Providing crucial visibility for the warrior.
• Large cheek-pieces: Offering substantial protection to the face.
• Wide nose-guard: Shielding the nose and upper face.
• Rivets/Fastener holes: These holes would have been used to secure a protective lining, likely made of leather or fabric, inside the helmet.

What makes this helmet truly exceptional is its remarkable state of preservation. It is described as being in "perfect, not restored condition" with a smooth green patina – a testament to its age and the natural oxidation of the bronze. Apollo Art Auctions emphasizes that it is "one of the best-preserved specimens on the market for the last several years."

The helmet's size (260mm x 180mm, or approximately 10.2" x 7.1") and weight (1.2kg, or approximately 2.6 lbs) offer a tangible sense of the weight and dimensions of the armor worn by ancient Greek soldiers.



Provenance and Authentication:

The helmet boasts a well-documented provenance, adding to its historical significance:

• Private UK collection (current owner)
• Previously in an English private collection since 2016
• Ex. Marcus Prill collection, 2012
• Ex. Wolfram Schmidt collection, 1970s

Copies of original invoices are available, further solidifying its ownership history.

To ensure authenticity and provenance, the helmet has undergone rigorous examination:

• Art Loss Register Clearance: The item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database, confirming it is not stolen or missing.

• XRF Laboratory Report: An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis has been conducted by the independent Belgian laboratory Hebolabo, providing a scientific analysis of the helmet's material composition.

• Historical Report: A historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy, accompanies the piece, providing further historical context and analysis.

Auction Details:

The "Fine Ancient Art, Antiquities & Jewellery" auction will take place on January 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM GMT (6:00 AM GMT-6) at Apollo Art Auctions' central London showroom. Bidding will be available both in person and online. This exceptional Corinthian helmet offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of ancient Greek military history.