Dragons Officer's Helmet 1858, Entirely Gold Gilded Second Empire Napoleon III Cavalry
A magnificent 1858-model dragoon officer's helmet from the Second Empire period.
This prestigious helmet is entirely gold-plated over a copper base.
The gilding is in superb condition, with 95% of it still intact. Goldsmith stamp on the back.
A rare and significant feature is that the helmet is entirely original. It is an untouched helmet with all its original components.
The helmet shell, visor, and neck guard are made of copper with a thick, high-quality gold plating.
The crest is made of yellow copper and is also embellished with gilding. It is adorned on the front with a flaming pomegranate surmounted by a Medusa head and a laurel wreath. The sides are decorated with gadroons, acanthus leaves, and palmettes. The “rain guard” protecting the top of the crest features a braided mane. Finally, the entire assembly is topped by a stylized plume holder (shaped like a flattened lens with a socket) and a plume made of black horsehair.
The helmet features a seal-skin headband dyed according to regulations to imitate leopard skin—the original skin appears darker here than usual.
The chinstraps for officers are of the 1858 model, made of gilded brass with guilloché rings, mounted on leather chin straps covered with fine black fabric. They are complete with their "rosettes" adorned with laurel leaves and guilloché screws.
The plume holder is made of gilded brass with foliage decoration.
Long original mane made of black horsehair, approximately 60 cm (visible portion).
The inner liner, an officer’s model, is made of black leather with a gold border. Two strips of sheepskin line the inner side of the visor and the neck guard. Signs of wear on the liner. Only part of the gold border remains (see photo).
Overall outstanding condition with slight dents on the helmet, barely visible. Two mounting screws for the crest are missing at the rear, located beneath the mane (hardly visible).
Rare in this condition. All original parts.
The helmet is sold without a plume (as worn in combat).
Height of the helmet (without the mane): 35 cm.
This prestigious helmet is entirely gold-plated over a copper base.
The gilding is in superb condition, with 95% of it still intact. Goldsmith stamp on the back.
A rare and significant feature is that the helmet is entirely original. It is an untouched helmet with all its original components.
The helmet shell, visor, and neck guard are made of copper with a thick, high-quality gold plating.
The crest is made of yellow copper and is also embellished with gilding. It is adorned on the front with a flaming pomegranate surmounted by a Medusa head and a laurel wreath. The sides are decorated with gadroons, acanthus leaves, and palmettes. The “rain guard” protecting the top of the crest features a braided mane. Finally, the entire assembly is topped by a stylized plume holder (shaped like a flattened lens with a socket) and a plume made of black horsehair.
The helmet features a seal-skin headband dyed according to regulations to imitate leopard skin—the original skin appears darker here than usual.
The chinstraps for officers are of the 1858 model, made of gilded brass with guilloché rings, mounted on leather chin straps covered with fine black fabric. They are complete with their "rosettes" adorned with laurel leaves and guilloché screws.
The plume holder is made of gilded brass with foliage decoration.
Long original mane made of black horsehair, approximately 60 cm (visible portion).
The inner liner, an officer’s model, is made of black leather with a gold border. Two strips of sheepskin line the inner side of the visor and the neck guard. Signs of wear on the liner. Only part of the gold border remains (see photo).
Overall outstanding condition with slight dents on the helmet, barely visible. Two mounting screws for the crest are missing at the rear, located beneath the mane (hardly visible).
Rare in this condition. All original parts.
The helmet is sold without a plume (as worn in combat).
Height of the helmet (without the mane): 35 cm.
3 650 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Consulat, Empire
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Metal
Height: 35 cm
Reference (ID): 1784929
Availability: In stock
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