Ancient Greek Bronze Helmet – Chalcidian Type with Ram’s Head Cheekpieces (5th–4th Century

This is an extraordinary, museum-quality Bronze Chalcidian-style helmet dating to the 5th–4th century B.C., complete with its original articulated ram’s head cheek guards—an extremely rare survival feature in ancient Hellenic armor. The cheekpieces remain fully functional, hinged at the jawline, and display sculpted rams’ heads with inlaid white stone eyes still intact. The helmet’s form is classic Chalcidian, featuring a contoured brow, molded ear cutouts, and subtly flared neck guard. Finished in a rich olive-green patina, the piece has been expertly conserved since acquisition.

The Chalcidian helmet, named for its place of origin, Chalkis on the island of Euboea, was widely worn by Greek hoplites and light infantry across both mainland Greece and Magna Graecia (Greek colonies in southern Italy) during the Classical period. Unlike earlier Corinthian types, Chalcidian helmets offered improved peripheral vision and hearing due to their cutout designs and hinged cheek guards. The ram’s head motif may suggest elite status or cavalry use, as animal symbolism often conveyed strength and divine protection in Greek iconography.

This helmet is one of the finest Greek era helmets we have at Treasure Trove. Ground-recovered and fully stabilized, it belongs in top private collection or institutional display. The stand is not included.

Provenance:This helmet was acquired in 2022 from a reputable private collector and is believed to have been recovered from a major Roman battlefield site in Southeastern Europe. It was a ground-dug discovery and has since been professionally cleaned, stabilized, and conserved.

Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.