Corinthian Helmet
Culture
Greek
Date650–600 BCE
Mediumbronze
Dimensions22.2 × 17.1 × 23.8 cm (8 3/4 × 6 3/4 × 9 3/8 in.), 2 lb, 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1047
DescriptionSimpler lines than other examples. Lining holes around perimeter. Hole at vertex perhaps for an ornament, or perhaps for mounting after working life.Nasal guard appears to have been broken off and replaced; continuous patination suggests this is a working-life repair. The replacement nasal is unusually long, and secured by 3 rivets. The trapezoidal shoulder indent at the right lower edge is not matched on the left; also, the lining holes on the right are on the outturned flange, whereas this flange is missing on the left, and the lining holes parallel the cleanly executed straight lower edge. The clean execution and apparently relocated lining holes suggest that the left side lost its flange during its working life, and was repaired for further service. This could have been part of a general working-life repair campaign that also included the nasal.
Right cheek is lost. Traces of damage at occiput, apparently hammered out after excavation.
Modern bronze patch inside at left occiput, as well as soldering (lead?) and adhesive patching. These patches are very different in execution from the repair of the nasal.
ProvenancePurchased by Museum on January 27, 1934 from Theodore Offerman (NYC). Paid $55 for lot of four helmets including HAM#s 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040. Helmets were part of lot #417 of the Henry Walters Collection sold at American Art Galleries on January 12, 1934. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Michel Witz the Younger
1530s
