Paris Mounted Guard Helmet, M1860/1872, Cavalry Of Napoleon III / Third Republic / Republican

Impressive Model 1860/1872 troop helmet from the Paris Mounted Guard.
This helmet, a transitional model, is quite rare because it was worn by the Republican Guard for only a few years after the fall of the Second Empire... until the adoption in 1876 of an entirely new helmet with smaller, more modern dimensions.
This is therefore a Second Empire-era helmet, Model 1860, whose headband was officially modified in 1872: the imperial eagle was then replaced by the coat of arms of the city of Paris, featuring a boat and the motto “Fluctuat Nec Mergitur” (it is tossed by the waves but does not sink). The “Garde de Paris” banner was retained as it had been under the Second Empire.
After 1876, these helmets were permanently phased out within the Republican Guard, and most were converted for reuse by the fire department.
This helmet escaped that transformation; it is marked at the rear with the service number "1041" of the Republican Guard who wore it. The skull, visor, and neck guard are made of polished steel. The high crest is brass, ornamented with gadrooning, laurel leaves, and snakes. It is topped by a stylized brass plume holder—specific to the Paris Guard—and a red horsehair tuft.
The helmet comes complete with its original chinstraps, mounted on leather with "rosettes" shaped like a radiating sun.
It also features a beautiful period-era mane measuring approximately 55 cm in length.
Black leather inner lining.
The overall condition is very good with a nice patina. Signs of wear and slight surface oxidation. The leather linings covering the inside of the visor and the neck guard are missing. There are a few small dents. The inside of the helmet has been long-ago coated with grey paint, which has now partially faded.
The helmet is sold with a beautiful contemporary red plume.
An interesting and well-preserved collector’s item.
Total height of the helmet (without the mane): approximately 40 cm