Cuirassier Officer's Helmet, Model 1845, In Its Transport Box, July Monarchy

CUIRASSIER OFFICER’S HELMET, Model 1845, IN ITS TRANSPORT BOX, July Monarchy – Second Empire. 34446

Silver-plated copper helmet. It is deep and set back, typical of the earliest helmets of this period; the model following 1845 will be less tall. The rim at the base of the helmet is of the 1844–1845 model with a projecting molding consisting of a square band and a round band. H 13 cm (from the base of the crown to the top of the helmet), H 21.5 cm (from the bottom of the turban to the top of the helmet). Turban made of sturdy leather covered with a black marine cowhide band (later replaced with sealskin) that laces up at the back using six metal eyelets on each side. Height 12.5 cm at the front, 7.5 cm on the sides. Visor and neck guard made of silver-plated copper, each edged with a gold-plated brass band folded over the outer rim. Visor lined with green leather; neck guard lined with black leather.
Crest made of stamped and gilded brass, consisting of a mask stamped with a flaming bomb surmounted by a medusa head in relief, with a wreath of laurel and oak branches above it; H 13 cm, W 4.2 cm; two wings stamped with a descending series of 8 godrons framed by acanthus leaves, palmettes, and, in the upper section, a series of laurel leaves, H 11 cm; cover plate stamped with a design depicting a braided mane. Brass crest ornament consisting of an olive decorated with palmettes, H 2.6 cm, D 6.3 cm, and a socket with laurel branches and palmettes, H 3.3 cm, D 2.5 cm; the base is adorned with a small serrated disc, D 3.9 cm; and a scarlet horsehair plume, H 5 cm, with a gilded, chiseled brass ring at its base.
Gilded brass plume holder decorated with laurel branches, 1845 model. H 4.8 cm. Chin straps of the 1845 model; mounted on a chin guard made of iron covered with fine black cloth, adorned with a descending series of intertwined, figure-8-shaped rings in gilded, chiseled brass, maximum H 4.5 cm, minimum height 2.5 cm, topped with a rosette stamped with laurel leaves, diameter 5.5 cm, secured to the turban with a screw.
Mane made of black horsehair, apparent length approximately 65 cm.
Inner lining of sheepskin cut into 9 wolf’s teeth, the outer edges of which are gilded with iron. Total height of the helmet: 40 cm.
France.
Very good condition.

TRANSPORT CASE made of wood and steel, with brass fasteners and handle, covered with dark green paper and lined on the inside with ivory-colored chamois leather. Beautiful black-printed paper label indicating shipment by rail from “PARIS - SAINT-LAZARE,” with a second period label handwritten in ink: “General Boyer, Commander of the Subdivision, Local Train, Auxerre.”
In fairly good condition, with some missing sections of the covering paper.

France.

July Monarchy – Second Empire.