Iron helmet body with copper alloy sheet additions.
Hellenistic influence on the design, it resembles a Etruscan type of helmet.
The helmet has a narrowing skull form with an exaggerated peak. This area is embosssed with the brow, eyes and nose of a human face. Around the rim of the helmet is a series of acanthus leaves, formed from sheet copper aloy.
A laurel wreath, also formed from copper alloy sheet, is attached to the back and projects forward at each side of the skull.
The back is extended with three plates with the edges cut and embossed with acanthus leaves.
Long narrow, curved cheek pieces, also with the acanthus leaves, hang to each side.
The whole helmet was originally gilded.
Photos (c) Luc de Vos
References:
Robinson, H.R. (1975), "The Armour of Imperial Rome", (Arms & Armour Press), p.136-7, 139, No.413-6
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