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The likely use of the Imperial-Gallic helmet type by the auxilia in the Augustan period is hardly surprising when we consider that the design is by definition Gallic in origin, stemming from the Agen/Port type helmets of the first century B.C (Robinson 1975, 42-7).  Examples of these helmets are just as likely to have been used by warriors fighting for Roman forces than against them.  Individuals from areas where such designs originated are highly likely to have continued using them when serving in the auxilia.  A warrior's grave dating to the mid first century B.C from Giubiasco in Switzerland includes both an "Agen/Port A" type helmet and a standard late republican Roman infantry gladius (Feugere 1994, 15).

Unfortunately there are very few weapons burials dating beyond the Augustan era into remainder of the first century A.D, denying us a potentially valuable insight into auxiliary equipment throughout the period.  It would not be too surprising if the use of Imperial-Gallic helmets by the auxilia continued, although we should not forget that other types of helmet would almost certainly have been used.  Conversely, it is also worth considering when the helmet type saw widespread adoption amongst the legions, especially if many of the early examples might be attributed to auxiliary soldiers.

 

A reconstruction in use by one of Leg II Avg's auxiliaries.

A reconstruction of the Nijmegen helmet (below)

The early Imperial-Gallic helmet from Nijmegen

 

An Agen-Port type helmet, a predecessor of the Imperial-Gallic series.