A Complete Roman-Style 'Centurion' Costume from Ben-Hur

A Complete Roman-Style 'Centurion' Costume from Ben-Hur MGM, 1959. Original 7-piece background Centurion uniform ensemble including a crème-and-orange, knee-length, felt wool pullover tunic with tie-closures, a shoulder-pleated orange wool cape with ties at the neck, a brown vest of canvas and suede with brass stud embellishment and aluminum chainmail fringe at shoulders and hem, an accordion-paneled and hinged aluminum cuirass, a metal helmet with hinged temple guards, visor, and tray at the crown holding a red bristle-brush plume, a pair of brown leather, calf-high buckled sandals, and a metal-bladed sword in ornate scabbard with leather carrying strap. Vest retains the internal 'Angelo Di Pippo' maker's bias label. Metal blade bears engraved 'MGM' near the hilt. All exhibit expected age, minor production wear, with a few moth holes to crème wool tunic. To find a complete centurion costume from a classic epic is a rare treat. Actors Stephen Boyd as Messala and Noel Sheldon both played centurions in Ben-Hur, one of whom antagonized and one of whom befriended Judah Ben-Hur, played by Charlton Heston. Centurions were leaders who controlled one hundred men (known as a century) in the Roman army. In the film, Ben-Hur is abused by centurions, but Jesus comes to his defense. Elizabeth Haffenden designed the centurion costumes for the film with historical accuracy, no easy task with their complicated armor and elaborate decorative details. Though no provenance paperwork exists for this piece, it is acknowledged to have been acquired through the MGM & David Weisz 1970 Auction. Various sizes. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing