Attic Helmet with Horsehair Crest, Brass Replica c. 300 BC

Attic Helmet with Horsehair Crest, Brass Replica c. 300 BC

What the Helmet Looks Like and What Will Fascinate You

This Attic helmet immediately catches your eye with its gleaming brass surface, evoking the golden sheen of original ancient armour. It features the characteristic rounded bowl, a distinct forward-projecting brow guard, and typical hinged cheekpieces, which are comfortably lined on the inside with brown leather. Each cheekpiece is also adorned with a detailed embossed motif, reminiscent of a palmette or a stylized thunderbolt. The edges of the brow guard, cheekpieces, and the base of the crest holder are trimmed with a subtle dotted decoration. The crest itself, made from dense, bright red horsehair, is mounted on a special holder and can be easily removed for storage or alternative display purposes. The interior of the helmet bowl is painted black. A padded cap for more comfortable wear is also included in the delivery.

How You Can Use This Ancient Helmet

This replica Attic helmet is ideal for a wide range of uses:

• Collector's Item: It will become the pride of your collection of historical armour and artefacts.
• Decoration: It serves as a unique and captivating decorative element in the interior of your home, study, or thematically styled space.
• Educational Tool: It excellently illustrates the appearance of ancient military equipment.
• Costume Accessory: Perfect for theatrical performances, film shoots, historical reenactments (emphasizing its decorative nature), or themed events and parties.
• Original Gift: It will delight any enthusiast of ancient history, ancient Greece, and military history.

A Glimpse into History: The Attic Helmet in Antiquity

The Attic type of helmet evolved from the earlier Corinthian helmet and became popular in the Greek world during the Classical and especially the Hellenistic periods. Around 300 BC, the period that inspired this replica, we find ourselves in the early Hellenistic era, shortly after the conquests of Alexander the Great. Athens still played a significant cultural role, although its military dominance was no longer as pronounced as in the Classical period. Attic helmets provided soldiers, primarily hoplites (heavy infantry), with good protection for the face and head, while, unlike the fully enclosed Corinthian helmets, allowing for better peripheral vision and hearing. The prominent crest (Greek "lophos"), often made of horsehair and dyed, served not only as decoration but could also indicate rank or unit affiliation and visually enhanced the soldier's stature, thereby appearing more formidable to the enemy.

An Interesting Fact from Ancient History

Attic helmets are one of the most frequently depicted types of helmets in ancient Greek art – we can see them in vase paintings, reliefs, and sculptures. Their elegant design and practicality made them an iconic symbol of the ancient Greek warrior. Although Athens around 300 BC was no longer the dominant military power it had been during the Peloponnesian War, its military traditions and equipment styles persisted and influenced the wider Hellenistic world.

Key Features and Product Specifications

• Faithful replica of an Attic helmet, c. 300 BC
• Made from quality brass, approximately 1.5mm thick
• Imposing detachable red horsehair crest
• Articulated cheekpieces with internal leather lining and embossed decoration
• Suitable for a head circumference of up to 64 cm (approx. 25.2 inches)
• Weight: approx. 2.6 kg (approx. 5.73 lbs)
• A padded cotton cap is included for comfortable wear

How to Care for Your Helmet to Keep It Beautiful for a Long Time

• Brass Cleaning: Regularly wipe the helmet with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. To restore its shine, you can very carefully use a polish designed for brass, but remember that a slight patina can add to the helmet's authenticity.
• Leather Protection: Keep the leather parts (cheekpiece linings) dry. If necessary, you can treat them with a gentle leather conditioner.
• Crest Care: Protect the horsehair crest from moisture, dust, and pests (e.g., moths). Handle it carefully to prevent the hairs from breaking or being pulled out. If the helmet is not on display, it is advisable to store the crest separately in a dry place, possibly lightly covered with a breathable material.
• Storage: Store the helmet in a dry place with minimal temperature fluctuations. It is ideal to display it on a stand (not included, but can be purchased separately) or on a shelf where it will be protected from mechanical damage.