BODYGUARD HELMET OF THE KING'S MILITARY HOUSEHOLD, first model, 1814, Restoration period. 30003

KING'S BODYGUARD HELMET, first model, 1814, Restoration period. 30003

Helmet, visor, and neck protection in black varnished leather. Depth of the helmet approximately 17 cm. Interior of the visor waxed green and edged with a strip of silver-plated copper folded over the outer edge (width 8 mm) fixed with four small silver nails. Width of the visor 5.5 cm. Width of the neck protection approximately 3.5 cm. All fittings on the helmet are silver-plated copper.
Front plate embossed in relief with a radiant sun featuring the face of the sun framed by two intertwined L's topped with a royal crown, with a decorative cloud motif at the bottom on which a ribbon bears the inscription "NEC PLURIBUS IMPAR" (Superior to all: Louis XIV's motto). Height of the plate 16.5 cm, width approximately 32 cm. It is secured by a clip on each side at the level of the chin straps and by a conical screw at the top. Rear band forming a peak in the center, decorated with two branches of foliage with a central fleuron and bordered above and below by prominent moldings. On each side of the helmet, a two-branched palm is attached (decision of January 16, 1815) curling forward.
Crest composed of a mask and two finials. The three parts are embossed in relief with a series of feathers decreasing towards the back, the top of which is scalloped. At the lower part, the design shows a series of acanthus leaves, the lower end is turned outward, scalloped, and fixed to the helmet with four conical brass screws per finial. The base of the mask is fixed to the top of the front band with a hook and internal nut (this hook allows the chin straps to be held up).
Plume holder in tubular brass section slightly decreasing towards the bottom with a clamp screw at the top.
Chin straps each composed of a chin strap and a rosette: chin strap in black velvet-clad leather covered with a series of scales alternately cut into four or three scallops, the 18 scales are edged with an engraved line; the chin straps are finished with a silver braided cord ending in fringed pompoms. Length of the chin straps approximately 16 cm, maximum width 5.8 cm, minimum width approximately 1.5 cm. Rosettes embossed in relief with a radiant sun, H 6.5 cm, width 7.8 cm, with the finely embossed face of the sun at the center, the back of which is welded to a clip that passes through the rosette, chin strap, and helmet.
Black horsehair mane mounted on a leather sole and cut in a brush shape. Height approximately 7 cm. The front tip protrudes about 5 cm, height at the back approximately 6 cm.
Interior lining composed of a black waxed leather headband topped with black silk.

Presented in its wooden transport box covered with black wallpaper.

France. Restoration period.
Very good condition, some original scales but not of the model, two scales missing on one chin strap. Repainted transport box.