Object Description

Bronze Villanovan Helmet

A bronze Villanovan helmet, dated between 900-700 BC. 

Identification Date

Between 2018 - 2021

Identification Location

Private collection of Michael Steinhardt, Manhattan, New York.

Artefact History

Before 1994

Three regular-print images from the archive confiscated from the antiquities dealer Giacomo Medici. The helmet is depicted on a thin grey pillow, which is on top of a wooden table. The helmet is depicted still covered with soil and unrestored.

1994

Michael Steinhardt purchased the bronze Villanovan helmet from ‘Phoenix Ancient Art’ for $180,000.

2018 - 2021

The helmet was identified by the Italian archaeologists Dr Daniela Rizzo and Maurizio Pellegrini, using one of the three Medici images, while the helmet was already owned by Michael Steinhardt. 

December 2021

On December 2021, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced that the bronze Villanovan helmet will be repatriated to Italy. 

Artefact Status

February 2022

Repatriation took place on February 2022.