An early Corinthian helmet in the Manchester Museum

The article concerns a helmet of Corinthian type, of the seventh century BC, very plain and without a crest or decoration but with small holes round the rim for stitching in a lining. It belonged for many years to Charterhouse, until that school recently sold its Museum's contents. Manchester Museum acquired it thanks to a most generous bequest from the estate of the late Professor Robert Cook. Here the helmet's dimensions and state are given; it had suffered damage particularly to the cheek-guards and the nose-guard (which is now a modern replica). Details of its design are examined, some confirming its date, others illustrating its strengths and weaknesses as a helmet. The historical significance of helmets of this plain design is briefly discussed. Finally it is suggested, on the grounds of the damage to its cheek-guards and nose-guard, that it ended its career as a victory thank-offering in a sanctuary, possibly Olympia where many helmets so damaged have been found.