• Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.
  • Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.
  • Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.
  • Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.
  • Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.
  • Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.
  • Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.
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Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.

Imperial Roman Iron and Bronze Cavalry Helmet – Inscribed to Arnius, Legion VII Claudia – 2nd–3rd Century A.D.

$75,000.00 USD
$75,000.00 USD
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An exceptional and highly rare Imperial Roman Cavalry Helmet of the Niederbieber type, dating to the 2nd–3rd century A.D., attributed to a legionary soldier named Arnius of the famed Legio VII Claudia Pia Fidelis. This helmet is inscribed along the surface with the clearly punctuated legend “ARNIVS, LEG VII P F,” marking both the soldier’s name and his elite unit. Constructed from iron with bronze fittings and edgework, the helmet exhibits a rich, olive-brown patina on the bronze elements and has undergone professional conservation to stabilize the iron and arrest active corrosion. The form follows classic Niederbieber characteristics: reinforced brow, flared neck guard, and distinct side projections for cheekpieces (now absent). 

Helmet finds with personal inscriptions from named legionaries are extraordinarily rare, and this example offers an intimate link to a Roman soldier stationed in the provincial command zones of Moesia Superior and Pannonia. The Legio VII Claudia held a prestigious history, earning its “Pia Fidelis” title for loyalty to the emperor during numerous political upheavals. Helmets of this kind, particularly with surviving owner attribution, are scarcely encountered outside institutional collections. The provenance is secure, and the piece has been cleaned and conserved by a professional studio. Its museum-grade presence and extraordinary rarity make this one of the most important Roman militaria offerings we have brought to market.

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