Metal detectorist to auction Roman helmet

[Navajo]

I find it strange that there is no mention of the rather fine Iron Age sword that was also recovered near the helmet which was quitely sold off in London.......

[RedEarth]

I find it strange that there is no mention of the rather fine Iron Age sword that was also recovered near the helmet which was quitely sold off in London.......

Is that true or a joke? Not sure what the winking symbol is supposed to mean. If the former what's the evidence?

[Navajo]

It is totally true as the MD who found the helmet told me and showed me the images. It was sold by a rather large auction house in London.

[RedEarth]

It is totally true as the MD who found the helmet told me and showed me the images. It was sold by a rather large auction house in London.

That would seem to be some remarkable access to the detectorist, who hasn't exactly been media friendly. I had heard a rumour that other finds had been discovered at and same site, and flogged off. I would still like to see some proof of this sword (sale catalogue?) since it's not the sort of thing that normally falls under the radar, although having said I get the impression the discovery that the helmet was being sold was down to good luck.

[geo]

Not heard about that find ,but as RedEarth says there should be details available of the sale. Either way if true it is another item that falls under the ownership of the landowner and as private property can be disposed of as wished. However one must consider that the media attention the helmet find generated may well have influenced the finder and landowner to keep quiet. Pity if that was the case, but "once bitten twice shy" springs to mind.

[monty]

Well who wouldn't take the money !!

It is likely to be purchased by the BM anyway .......

[Navajo]

Of course the finder is not very media friendly, but why should he be after the amount of abuse he recieved over the find?

[RedEarth]

Well who wouldn't take the money !!

It is likely to be purchased by the BM anyway .......

Seems an odd view for an archaeologist! Assuming you are one.

You are aware that the helmet was not acquired by the BM aren't you? It is now in private hands and unlikely to be seen by the public ever again. What makes you think any other finds from the site (assuming there genuinely were some) would end up in the BM?

[RedEarth]

Of course the finder is not very media friendly, but why should he be after the amount of abuse he recieved over the find?

If he received any abuse it was because he took an important archaeological find from its context and sold it to the highest bidder, removing what is part of our national heritage from public access. If he has done the same with any other finds from the same site then he deserves further abuse. By the way, any proof that this Iron Age sword exists or are you just stirring?

[monty]

Seems an odd view for an archaeologist! Assuming you are one.

You are aware that the helmet was not acquired by the BM aren't you? It is now in private hands and unlikely to be seen by the public ever again. What makes you think any other finds from the site (assuming there genuinely were some) would end up in the BM?

It can be seen on line !! ....and obviously the BM can't buy everything........................ there is a long tradition of private collections in archaeology so nowt new...........................and yes i would take the money.....as would many impoverished archaeologists.......and it's only a roman helmet......not that special in my opinion !!!!

Also all artefacts belong to the landowner under English stature and he can do whatever he likes with any thing not designated as treasure