Carabinier Helmet And Breastplate Of The Imperial Guard, Second Empire Napoleon III Cavalry

Spectacular set of carabinier of the Imperial Guard from the Second Empire period and entirely original.
It is made up of:
1/ A brass helmet topped with a red horsehair "chenille" (1856 pattern).
The crest is decorated with laurel branches and acanthus leaves.
The helmet has an iron headband decorated in its center with a flaming grenade.
Brass chinstraps mounted on black leather and held to the helmet by a rounded "rosace" decorated with a radiant sun and a star.
Original leather liner.
The helmet is dated 1856 and bears the serial number "153". It also bears the Delachaussée manufacturer's stamp.
2/ A steel breastplate covered with a brass sheet (1825 pattern).
It is decorated with a radiant sun and an imperial eagle.
Brass and leather shoulder pads.
Leather belt.
The breastplate is marked:  "Klingenthal manufactory", "2nd Size 1st Width" and dated 1831.
The set is in very good general condition. Small dents on the helmet and the breastplate. Wear, losses and tears to the helmet leather liner. Breastplate belt restored.
Height of the helmet: 40 cm
Height of the breastplate: 42 cm
Under the Second Empire, the carabiniers were part of the line cavalry and consisted of two regiments. These two units merged when they were incorporated into the Imperial Guard in 1865. During the Franco-German War of 1870, the carabinier were engaged in the battles of Saint-Privat, Metz and Beaune-la-Rolande.