2nd-3rd century AD. A silver double crest (crista),prising a double row of feathers in a holder belonging to a pseudo-Corinthian helmet, once part of a statuette of god Mars (Greek Ares"). Cf. Potter, T.W., Roman Britain, London, 1997, p.76, pl.67, for a similar crest on the statuette of the god Mars (today held in the BM, inv.no. OA.248"). 6.28 grams, 27mm wide (1"). From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; from her collection formed 1960s-1990s. The crest in ancient warfare always played a fundamental part in theposition of the helmet. Crests were not only ed in parade ceremonies but were also ed to great psychological effect on the battlefield. Plumes or crests made of horsehairs or feathers were inserted along the length of the helmet, or directly into conical holes on the top of the helmet, or in special settings at the front, the centre and on the back. Other helmets present a pair of tubes on the sides of the temples, allowing the insertion of the geminae pinnae which were dedicated to Mars.