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Ancient Roman Mongolian Warrior Helmet w/ Horns & Spike.
This historical helmet is extraordinary. It looks really awesome, and there really isn't another one like it. This one of a kind helmet is embellished with all sorts of decorative metals and ancient coins. I think the main metal material for the helmet itself is made of bronze or iron. All the decorative pieces I believe are rather bronze or brass. I suppose they are held in place with forged nails or rivets. There is a wild set of animal horns on the top fixed in and secured with some type of metal. (Unknown animal) In-between the horns, there is a mighty spike, which seems to be constructed from a silverplated material and bronze.
The brass/bronze embellishments surrounding the helmet consist of a number of different symbols. There are a few flower like symbols. These represent the imperial seal of the mughal dynasty, which was ruled by the house of babur from 1526 to 1857. There are 2 of what I concluded to be a couple of ancient Indo-Greek bronze coins that depict Eukratides I. These date back somewhere between 450BC-100AD. Whats interesting about these coins is that there are only a couple known to exist where the bust of the king is facing to the left side as they are normally facing right, making these just by themselves extremely valuable. There is a chance they are just metal medallions rather then coins, but i couldn't find anything like it that resembled them other than ancient coins. If they are legitimate they could be worth thousands alone. It would be nice to check the back to help confirm it being a double sided coin but it's bolted into the helmet and has probably been there for centuries so I can't see it being a forgery. There are a couple of large face symbols that depict an ancient mythological god named Erlik Khan. This mysterious creature is known as the god of death and the underworld. It is a very frightening and fierce symbol to go into war with. On the center front of the helmet, there is a large golden eagle with its wings spread. The golden eagle is considered the king of birds to the mongolians and is an ancient symbol representing might, ferocity & regality. Additionally, on both sides there is a English coat of arms or seal badge that depicts the symbol for the order of the garter. The middle of the seal contains a unidentified monogram which is most likely representing the ruler of who this warrior fought under during that time. Figuring out that monogram would help tremendously with determining when this helmet originated. In my research, I wasn't able to figure out the monogram. However, I'm sure an expert on British royalty or English military commanders would be able to disclose that information quite easily.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III of England in 1348. It has a rich history, and It is the most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system, outranked in precedence only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. The Order of the Garter is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint. It's strange how the helmet represents mongolian culture and also bares the Order of the Garter. During the 100-year war in mideval times I'm pretty sure England and Mongolia were at war. Mongolian forces might of been conquered and few could've switched sides under England's control in exchange for thier lives. There's a possibility they recruited a mongolian warrior so powerful, fearless and valuable to their forces that they ended up making them a honorary member of the Order Of The Garter. Just an idea of how the 2 cultures may have connected.
I only came across 2 other helmets that were similar to this one so it's quite rare for this style helmet to show up. If there are others known they must be in private collections or I would imagine there are few displayed in museums. I found one that sold in 2016 in a online sale. Unfortunately it wouldn't allow me to see the description or the price it sold for. The only other one I found that resembled mine was displayed in "The Khajula Fort Collection" which is a private collection owned by a man named Raja Saad Ahmed. He had a extensive collection that exclusively consisted of ancient mongolian artifacts. The helmet was titled "Chief of Hun Tribe Warriors Helmet." In the photos I will include pictures of both the helmets that related to mine so your able to see the comparison. (Last 2 pictures)
The back of the helmet features dangling chains and coins. I think this helmet originally had the chainmail netting material and was replaced with what's on it now. The hanging coins, I believe is Afghanistan currency from around the 1930s, which is probably when these were added on. There is also an inner green liner and a leather chin strap included. I believe these were added in at a later time as well, probably near the time of the chain modification. It's easy to tell the rest of the construction is from a much earlier date. It's difficult to determine its age but I would assume it dates between the 1500's-1600's, possibly earlier.
This is just a brilliant piece of art and history. You won't find another like it and it is certainly a museum worthy item. I hope it ends up going to the right place where it will be cherished and displayed for others to enjoy. Please let me know if you have any questions. I really don't know much extra information other then what I've shared but I will try my best to answer! Thanks for looking!
