French Model 1858 Cuirassier Officer Helmet - Franco Prussian War

Beautiful Silvered Cooper body with all its original silvering that has slightly turned in colour as this helmet has not been cleaned or restored. Front and back visor in silver with gold trim. Both visors lined in thin "Basane leather" (see pictures). The front base part has the original "Seal Skin - or Vache Marine" that shows some loss as usual to approx 25% of its surface. Nonetheless unreplaced! The back of the turban still has the original lacing and the helmet shell is marked by teh famous French Maker "DELACHAUSEE".

The Cimier is gold frosted brass and remains in perfect condition and gilding. The front of cimier shows the antique "Medusa Head" over the flaming bomb. The original Officers plume holder on the left side of the helmet. The top of the cimier has the checkered officers plate along with the black horse mane in perfect condition. An Officer "Marmouset" in gilt brass with red horsehair completes the cimier.

A pair of Officers grade gilt chin chains in "8" loops maintained by chiseled screws and gilt rosettes. The Inside lining show age and wear and is of full Officers Grade with only minor gilt decorations "au Fer". A beautiful piece of headgear in the style of the 1st Empire. Helmet worn during the last Battles of the 2nd Empire....possibly the famous charge of the Cuirassier in Woerth-Froeschwiller (Reichsoffen) in 1870.