Looking out of the past
This Roman bronze helmet complete with face-mask – thought to be one of only three of its kind to be found in Britain – was discovered by a metal detector user in Cumbria.
The helmet, with its enigmatic features still virtually intact would have been worn, possibly with colourful streamers attached, as a mark of excellence by Roman soldiers at cavalry sport parades. Described as a “hugely important discovery”, it is now expected to fetch 300,000 at Christie’s Antiquities auction in London on October 7.
It has been named the Crosby Garrett Helmet after the hamlet in Cumbria where it was found in a field in May by the treasure hunter, who wants to remain anonymous.