ROMAN BRONZE WEISENAU HELMET OF ITALIC TYPE

Ca. AD 100-200
A bronze helmet with a round skull, topped with a small mushroom-shaped knob (peak) and a modern suspension ring. Massive visor with serrated edge. Widely flaring, contoured neck-guard with reinforcement bands riveted to the sides. Pronounced, embossed, stabilising ribs above the neck-guard. Ear cutouts on the sides with riveted hinge straps for attaching the cheekpieces. This type of helmet, also called “Imperial”, replaced a variety of Republican helmets. Soldiers mainly were responsible for acquiring their own equipment, often inherited from generation to generation. Weisenau helmets were worn by Roman Imperial legionaries and constituted the final evolutionary stage of the legionary helmet. These helmets were classified by H. Russell Robinson, who divided them into “Gallic” and “Italic” types. The earliest Roman piece was found in an Augustan grave at Nijmegen. With some restoration. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists, and X-Ray photos. The item includes an investigation report from an independent Belgian laboratory (Hebolabo) for age and authenticity.
Size: 340mm x 320mm; Weight: 3.3kg
Provenance: From the collection of a European collector; formerly acquired in Belgium in 2013; previously in Dutch collection, 1980s-2000s; Ex. Charles Delaporte collection, 1960s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.
Estimate: GBP 40000 - 60000