Treasure hunter finds rare antique in Cumbria

[wildcard]

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/polopoly_fs/roman-helmet-photo-1.757604!image/1981157413.jpg_gen/derivatives/wholeColumn/1981157413.jpg



Vid at link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-11287093



Treasure hunter finds rare antique in Cumbria

A metal detector enthusiast in Cumbria has discovered a rare Roman bronze helmet complete with face-mask.

It is believed to be one of only three of its kind to be found in Britain.

The helmet would have been worn, possibly with colourful streamers attached, as a mark of excellence by Roman soldiers at sport parades.

Described as a "hugely important discovery", it is now expected to fetch £300,000 at Christie's Antiquities auction in London on 7 October.

The Crosby Garrett Helmet has been named after the hamlet in Cumbria where it was found in a field in May.
Considerable interest

The treasure hunter who found it has asked to remain anonymous.

Christie's described the find as an "extraordinary example of Roman metalwork at its zenith" and "the discovery of a lifetime" for a metal detectorist.

It is believed that Romans wore the helmets as a mark of rank or excellence in horsemanship.

During sporting events, cavalrymen were divided into two teams and took turns to attack and defend.

Similar helmets were found in 1796 and 1905.

[Awoke]

I wonder if they person gets to keep it. Doesn't imperial britain have some kind of law that says "Any treasure you find belongs to the queen"?

I also wonder what it would be worth. I'd sell that thing and buy some gold and lead.

[MAGNES]

I wonder if they person gets to keep it. Doesn't imperial britain have some kind of law that says "Any treasure you find belongs to the queen"?

I also wonder what it would be worth. I'd sell that thing and buy some gold and lead.


The person that found it does not get to keep it, they do get a monetary reward,
Britain is actually a good country in this regard, the monetary reward is based on
what the artifact may be worth, what a Museum will pay for it , etc, I don't know
the exact law but I have seen many cases reported in the media, many have made
big 6 figures for finds like coins, etc, you can search the UK media, BBC, Guardian.

[mrnhtbr2232]

A hand-made artifact that betrays both its beauty and craftsmanship - each surface with its own unique bumps, creases, and individuality. It screams honor and character. Compare that to modern-day mass produced dreck that idiots assign value to because they don't know better and believe it to be because others tell them so. I doubt Roman horsemen ever considered self-gratification first in the heat of battle for their country, and this piece is stately and subtle in its magnificence.