Cuirassier Officer's Helmet And Breastplate Set, Dated 1882, French Cavalry, Wwi

A spectacular Model 1874 cuirassier officer's set, superbly crafted and exceptionally well-preserved. Undoubtedly a luxury item made for a wealthy officer. 
This type of uniform was worn by cuirassier officers from 1874 to 1914.
It consists of:
1/ A Model 1874 crested helmet.
The helmet shell, visor, and neck guard are made of nickel-plated steel.
The crest and the headband are made of brass with a magnificent gilt finish that is nearly 100% intact. The headband is adorned on the front with a flaming grenade and laurel leaves. The upper part of the crest features a mask shaped like a medusa head.  Its sides are decorated with gadroons, palmettes, and water leaves. Finally, it is topped by a plume holder (later replacement for the original model but in ungilded brass).
The chinstraps are of the officer’s model, decorated with stylized scales in gilded brass and rosettes adorned with laurel leaves. They are mounted on leather covered with black velvet.
Very long original mane made of black horsehair, approximately 90 cm long.
Tricolor feather plume; not original to the piece, but dating from the Third Republic era.
The inner lining, originally fitted, is made of black leather adorned with a gilded floral frieze. Both the visor and the neck guard are covered in beige sheepskin.
Normal wear and tear on the lining.
Helmet height: 39 cm

2/ An 1855-model officer’s breastplate in perfect condition and never mismatched.
It consists of a matchiing breastplate and a backplate made of nickel-plated steel—the heavy/combat type. Both are signed by the Châtellerault factory in February 1882 and bear the marking: “Third size, extra width No. 2, Officer.”
Shoulder pads with gilded brass chains mounted on leather.
At the back, the shoulder pads are attached to the backplate by plates featuring gilded brass lion heads (two mounting screws replaced).
At the front, they fasten to the breastplate via rectangular gilded brass locks, richly engraved with foliage and palmettes.
All the leather, including the black patent leather belt, is original and in very good condition.
A Third Republic-era Legion of Honour medal is attached to the left shoulder piece.
Height of the breastplate: 44.5 cm
Truly a collector’s item of rare quality.