It didn't fall under the Treasure Act, so didn't need to be reported, so first was hurriedly sent to London and "restored" to increase saleability, badly, thus destroying scientific evidence. Fall through a loophole it certainly did.
Incidentally, DID it come from Crosby Garrett at all? There is doubt. Search Crosby Garrett on Looting Matters. https://lootingmatters.blogspot.com
See this incidentally https://lootingmatters.blogspot.com /2014/02/legal-fibbery-and-so-called-crosby.html
It was found.
In the ground.
The English Law which might have had some relevance didn't apply to it.
It was sold to the highest bidder.
The Tollie House Museum didn't have enough money.
A rich person got it instead.
Personally I think the loss of the helmet into private hands was a pity as I love Roman stuff. Their repeated incursions, temporary occupations and regular attempts at democide and genocide in Scotland are an endless fascination to me. A Caledonian Bear and many Caledonian captives were some of the amusements at the opening of the Flavian Amphitheatre (Coliseum) in AD 80.
The Newstead helmet and masks are in NMS. Lovely.
