Cuirassier Officer's Helmet, Model 1858, Second Empire. 30161

HELMET OF AN OFFICER OF CUIRASSIERS, model 1858, Second Empire. 30161 Bomb in silver-plated copper, gutter of the base of the bomb of the model 1858 with a single round reed. Depth of the bomb approximately 10 cm from the base of the gutter. Turban in strong leather covered with a headband in original marine cowhide, H on the sides 6 cm. Lacing at the back by means of ten eyelets. Visor (width 5 cm) and neck cover in silver-plated copper, both edged with a copper reed folded astride the outer edge, both lined with black waxed leather. Crest in stamped and gilded brass, composed of a mask (width 4.2 cm) stamped with a flaming bomb surmounted by a head of Medusa in relief with above a crown of laurel and oak branches, it is fixed to the bomb by means of a gilded brass screw; two fins (H max 11.5 cm) struck with a decreasing series of eight gadroons framed by pearls, acanthus leaves and fleurons and in the upper part of a series of laurel leaves; the lower part is folded outwards and decorated with acanthus leaves, each fin is fixed to the bomb by means of four gilded brass screws; cover plate stamped with a decoration depicting a braided mane. Brass crest ornament composed of an olive decorated with palmettes (H 3 cm), a socket with laurel branches (H 3 cm) and palmettes whose base is decorated with a small serrated disc, and a scarlet horsehair tuft (H 5.5 cm). Black horsehair mane 60 cm long. Gilded brass plume holder decorated with laurel branches, H 4.6 cm. Model 1845 chin straps; mounted on an iron chin rest covered in black velvet, covered with a series of 19 guilloché gilded brass rings in the shape of an intertwined figure 8. The two widest rings are in one piece with the round rosette stamped with a radiant sun, the rosette is fixed to the bomb by means of a guilloché gilded brass screw, rosette diameter 6 cm. Inner cap in black waxed sheepskin cut into nine wolf teeth. Total height of the helmet 36 cm. Plume in scarlet cock feathers mounted on a whalebone stem ending with an iron spring. Apparent height of the feathers 20 cm, total height 26 cm. France. Second Empire. Very good condition, some wear to the skin of the headband, pierced bomb from the period probably following a repair as is often the case.