Ca. 400 BC. A bronze helmet forged from a single hammered sheet with a finely central crest in high relief depicting a stylised gorgoneion with intricately made snake heads depicting scales, in between two long cyclindrical erect plume holders. The crown with a raised spiral tendril in relief. The ridge terminates at the back in a pronounced carinated edge, an arching ridge above the neck-guard; the cheek-pieces hinged. The helmet is surmounted by a pair of engraved sheet bronze wings. Two finely decorated wings of sheet bronze riveted to the sides. This extraordinary example of Chalcidian helmet was likely owned by someone of importance. A wealthy member of social standing. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists. Literature: R. Hixenbaugh, Ancient Greek Helmets: A Complete Guide and Catalog, New York, 2019, p. 491, no. X356. For a similar helmet in the Mougins Museum with plume holders and peaked brow see no. 108 in Merrony, op. cit. Graells, R. Lorrio, A., Qesada F.. Cascos Hispano-Calcidos, 2014. Mainz. John Hewitt, Official Catalogue of the Tower Armouries, London, 1859, no. 1.19. M. Burns, “Graeco-Italic Militaria” in M. Merrony (ed) Mougins Museum of Classical Art, France, 2011, p.215. fig 97.Cf. Christie’s, 19992, Antiquities, 12 Ocober 2021, lot 44. Christie’s, 5524 Axel Guttman Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Part 2, lot 101. Christie’s. 2364, Antiquities including property from the collection of Max Palevsky, lot 109. Hermann Historica, 7 October 2009, lot 58. The Royal Armouries, Accession Number: 11.197.This extravagant form of helmet with a pair of divine celestial wings would have would have been a frightening sight to any enemy. The Chalcidian-Type helmet started to replace the Corinthian-type helmet on the battlefield in the 5th century BC due to its restrictive attributes. The new versatile Chalcidian form of battle helmet enabled the owner to adapt on the battlefield. The Chalcidian helmet enabled greater sensory perception as the helmet was lighter and made in with senses in mind. By the time of the Peloponnesian War (434-402 BC) the Chalcidian helmet was the most widely distributed helmet in the Greek ranks.Size: L:355mm / W:485mm ; 1.11kgProvenance: Important private collection of Ancient Art, London UK; acquired from J.Lawton collection Surrey, UK; previously with the Parthenon Gallery, obtained from Axel Guttmann (Munich) pre-2000.