RARE ASSYRIAN BRONZE HELMET - XRF TESTED-EX ALBRECHT BACKER COLLECTION

Ca. 900-700 BC. Assyrian. A rare Assyrian bronze helmet comprising a conical cap with a sharp terminus and curvilinear hourglass shaped cheek pieces. The Assyrian Empire was one of the Mesopotamian super powers in the Levant. This kingdom started as the city-state of Assur before conquering more territory during a series of violent expansions. By 609 BC the Assyrian empire was no more and its territories were divided by the Median Empire and the Neo-Babylonian Empire. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Excellent condition with a beautiful patina. Size: L:385mm / W:220mm ; 1.6kg; Provenance: property of a Central London Gallery, ex Karabela Auction House, formerly in the collection of Mr Albrecht Backer since 1922.