TEST HELMET OF THE 45th LINE INFANTRY REGIMENT, type 1836, July Monarchy (1836-1837). 27256-12905
In 1835, the Minister of War asked the infantry corps for their opinion on the hairstyle to adopt. In 1836 the regiments proposed a series of different models of shakos. The 44th and 45th line infantry regiments received a leather helmet with plate and crest. This hairstyle only lasted briefly. The reports made by the two regiments had been entirely contradictory: the 44th regiment found the helmet heavy and inconvenient, while the 45th was in favor of its adoption. In its session of May 27, 1837, the Infantry and Cavalry Committee, based on the contradictory conclusions, expressed the opinion that the shako should continue to serve as a headdress for troops on foot.
Helmet entirely in black patent molded leather. Bomb at the neck brace (tilted backwards), depth 15 cm, H 18.5 cm with visor and neck cover; it is reinforced on each side by a leather band of the same color 1.5 cm wide, it is surrounded at the bottom in the same way. Visor and neck cover in black patent leather with saddle-folded leather band on the outer edge and stitched. Width of the visor 5.7 cm, of the neck cover 2.5 cm. Crest composed of two fins in black waxed leather, each molded in relief of a box decorated with a large gadroon (maximum height 7 cm) with a black lacquered round metal aerator at the rear. The base of the fins is lined with a 1 cm wide, spray-stitched leather strip. Crest mask in brass stamped in relief with nets and a palmette at the bottom, width in the lower part 4 cm, width in the center 2.7 cm, width in the upper part 5 cm. The top of the crest is covered with a molded leather part in the shape of a braid; it is embellished at the front with a double scarlet wool pompom.
Front cockade, fixed under the crest mask, in metal stamped in relief of a radiant sun, tricolor lacquered, diameter 5.5 cm. Brass front plate cut and stamped in relief in the shape of a radiant sun with in its center the Gallic rooster resting on a globe cut out with the number "45" framed by an oak and laurel branch, H 10 cm, width 13.5 cm.
On each side of the bomb is fixed a rosette 4 cm in diameter, in brass, round, stamped with a five-pointed star and a protruding molding.
Interior leather headdress cut into 8 wolf teeth. Chin strap in black patent leather with black lacquered brass buckle.
Total height of the helmet to the top of the crest 26 cm, total height to the top of the double pompom 31 cm.
France.
July Monarchy (1836-1837).
Very good condition, roundel repainted, front plate fixing nut changed.
Reference :
27256-12905