Helmet And Breastplate Set For French Cuirassier, Circa 1880/1900, France Third Republic, Ww1

A spectacular set consisting of a helmet and cuirass, as worn by the French cuirassier regiments from 1874 until the start of World War I in 1914.
It consists of:
1/ A Model 1874 non-commissioned officer’s helmet with crest in very good condition.
The helmet skull, visor, and neck guard are made of nickel-plated steel.
The crest and headband are made of brass. The headband is adorned on the front with a flaming grenade and laurel leaves. The crest features a "Medusa mask" at the top. Its sides are decorated with godrons, palmettes, and water leaves. It is topped by a stylized red horsehair "marmouset".
The chin straps are made of brass and decorated with stylized scales. They are mounted on leather that fasten with a buckle and a prong.
The liner is made of black leather. The inside of the visor is lined with green leather, and the neck guard is lined with beige leather. 
Impressive original mane made of black horsehair, approximately 105 cm long.
Brass plume holder with its beautiful period plume of scarlet feathers, complete with a red olive (identifying the 1st escadron).
Total height of the helmet (without the mane): 40 cm approximately.
Very good overall condition. Some light oxydation on the visor and on the right side of the helmet.

2/ A troop cuirass, Model 1855 modified in 1891, made of steel and brass.
This model of cuirass was worn during the Second Empire and up until the start of World War I.
It consists of a breastplate and a backplate.
The breastplate is marked by the Imperial Manufactory of Châtellerault: 1st size, 2nd width. It is dated June 1864 and numbered 320.
The backplate bears the mark of the Châtellerault Manufactory: 2nd size, 2nd width. It is dated January 1881 and numbered 9081.

Shoulder straps with brass chains mounted on leather, used to secure the breastplate and backplate together.
At the back, the shoulder straps are attached to the backplate via riveted plates.
At the front, the shoulder guards lock onto the breastplate using brass latches.

A regulatory modification in 1891 that notably involved moving the shoulder straps closer to the center of the breastplate.

All leather original, including the belt.
Very good overall condition.
Breastplate height: 45 cm