A rare Roman Bronze helmet valued at £300,000 is due to be the star attraction at Christie’s South Kensington on the 7th Ocotber.
Buried for a few thousand years, the helmet was discovered by a metal detectorist in Cumbria, in May 2010.  The Crosby Garrett Helmet dates from the late 1st-2nd Century A.D. and is one of only three comparable examples ever to have been discovered in the United Kingdom complete with face-mask in the last 250 years.

It will be on public display for the first time at the King Street salerooms from 14 September and again at South Kensington from 2 to 6 October before being offered at auction on 7 October where it is estimated to realise £200,000 to £300,000.

Georgiana Aitken, Head of Antiquities at Christie’s, London:

“This helmet is the discovery of a lifetime for a metal detectorist. When it was initially brought to Christie’s and I examined it at first-hand, I saw this extraordinary face from the past staring back at me and I could scarcely believe my eyes. This is a hugely important discovery and we expect considerable interest at both the public preview and at the auction where it is sure to generate great excitement from museums and collectors alike. The market for Antiquities continues to show great buoyancy fuelled by new collectors entering the category – the sale in April here at Christie’s achieved a total of £3 million/$4.6 million/€3.4 million ― the highest grossing Antiquities sale in London since 2004.”

The helmet is one of only three that have been discovered in Britain, the others being the Ribchester Helmet, found in 1796 and now in the British Museum, and the Newstead Helmet, in the Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh, found circa 1905. These helmets were not used for combat, but worn for cavalry sports events.

Five start hotel accommodation for the event can be booked at the Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour – click here for more info.