DRAGON OFFICER HELMET, model 1858, Second Empire. 26978-1
Bomb in gold-plated copper, the gutter of the base of the bomb is of the 1858 model with a simple round bangle. H of the bomb 15 cm.
Strong leather turban covered with a panther skin headband.
Visor (width 4.2 cm) and neck cover in gilded brass, each edged with a gilt brass bangle folded astride the outer border (width 8 mm). Visor lined with a green waxed sheepskin, neck cover lined with a brown waxed sheepskin.
Crest in stamped and gilded brass, composed of a mask stamped with a flaming bomb surmounted by a head of Medusa in relief with above a crown of laurel and oak branches (H of the crest 14 cm, width 4, 3cm); it is fixed to the base of the bomb by a golden brass screw with a round head; two fins (H 12.5 cm) struck with a decreasing series of 8 gadroons framed with acanthus leaf and palmette beads and in the upper part with a series of laurel leaves; their base is folded outwards, cut into festoons and fixed to the bomb by 4 round-headed gilded brass screws; cover plate stamped with a decoration depicting a braided mane.
Brass crest ornament composed of an olive decorated with palmettes, a socket with laurel branches and palmettes whose base is decorated with a small serrated disc, and a black horsehair puff (it is attached to the bomb by means of a long threaded rod and a nut. Total height of the ornament 12 cm.
Plumet holder in gilded brass decorated with laurel branches, tubular in shape, slightly decreasing towards the bottom. H 4.7 cm.
Model 1858 chin straps, mounted on a black velvet chin strap, covered with a series of intertwined chiseled rings in gilded and chiselled brass, ending with a rosette stamped with laurel leaves, fixed to the turban by means of a screw. Diameter of the rosette 5.5 cm. Width of the largest ring 3.8 cm, of the smallest 1.8 cm.
Mane of black horsehair, apparent length of approximately 50 cm.
Inner sheepskin headdress cut into seven wolf teeth, iron-gilded on the outer edges.
Total helmet height 38 cm.
France.
Second Empire (1858-1870).
Perfect condition, helmet having kept its original skin and all its gilding.
Reference :
26978-1