French 1845 Helmet Of The 3rd Cuirassier Regiment, Reichshoffen Charge Second Empire Napoleon

Superb French troop helmet of the third cuirassier regiment,  dated 1848.
This type of headdress, model 1845, equipped the cuirassier regiments under the reign of King Louis-Philippe (1830-1848), the Second Republic (1848-1852) and throughout the Second Empire (1852-1870).
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the 3rd Cuirassier regiment took part in the famous Reichshoffen Charge at Frœschwiller. There, it lost 62 men. Its commander, Colonel de Lafutsun de Lacarre, was decapitated by a shell (his cuirass is now in the Saumur Cavalry Museum).
This helmet is entirely original. It is in an exceptional state of preservation, which I have rarely seen on a troop helmet. The troop helmets are generally put to much more severe tests than those of the officers.
The helmet, its visor and neck shield are made of polished steel, without any deformation or oxidation.
The back of the helmet has the following markings:
1/ The number "3" attesting to an assignment to the 3rd Cuirassier Regiment
2/ The number "48" for its date of manufacture in 1848.
3/ The serial number of the soldier who wore it: "606"
The crest is made of yellow copper. It is adorned on the front with a flaming grenade topped with a Medusa head and a laurel wreath. The sides are decorated with gadroons, acanthus leaves and palmettes. The "rain shield" protecting the top of the crest features a braided mane.
The helmet's rim features a black-tinted Marin cowhide headband, which has retained most of its hair (98%). Small barely visible tear,  on the back left of the headband.
The chinstraps are made of small copper rings mounted on black leather. They are complete with their "rosettes" decorated with a radiant sun.
The plume holder is made of copper with foliage decoration.
Long original mane of black horsehair, approximately 70 cm for the visible part.
The black leather liner is complete and in very good condition. Slight wear from use.
Very rare helmet in this outstanding condition. All original parts.
Height of the helmet (without the mane): 40 cm.