late 7th century B.C.
Elegant, embossed bronze skull with a high forehead and top, large eye cutouts and massive nasal (material 7 mm thick), its short narrow shape indicating an early, archaic type of helmet. The sides have slightly curved outlines. No lining holes, but there are two holes at the nape of the neck, which presumably served to support a decorative piece for the helmet. A large hole in the neck guard evidently resulted from the votive offering of the helmet to a shrine. The metal is in good condition and this helmet of the Corinthian Type (level 2) is virtually without deformation. Beautiful, uniform dark brown to black noble patina sprinkled with green. Brown dirt encrustation on the left side of the helmet. Cracks and small defects in the skull because of its ancient use as a votive offering, and a torn open nail hole in the neck area. It has been restored: Cracks in the skull laminated with fiberglass and resin, and minor, properly coloured repairs to the skull. Height 23 cm, weight 1.33 kg.
Cf. H. Plug, Korinthische Helme, in: Antike Helme (Mainz 1988) 77 Ill. 11-12.
Provenance: Axel Guttmann Collection, Berlin (Inv. No. AG 196) Art Loss Register, Cologne 207.
This archaic helmet of a Greek Hoplite is the best of condition with a very rare noble patina. Extraordinarily beautiful shaped Corinthian helmet of the early level.

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