That's exactly how you get it, you have to get to the treasure chest to find the iron helmet. Which is exactly why I don't play GR anymore. I tried over 10 times and although I am on a horse and have a weapon within 12-15 seconds, (I only take the horse to get to the guns faster, then I jump off) , 8 times now someone has shot me immediately...and low and behold, they are wearing a mask and 3 times they managed to get the mask, a bow, and an arrow with an explosive all in about 15 seconds. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but clearly some people have the upper hand from the getgo.
Jackthestripper's post in Armour and helmet ??? was marked as the answer