This Belgian cavalry helmet is set with a brass lion's head plate, scrolling gadrooned crest, and a black horse hair crest with a red-feather plume. The straps are brass with clasps just beneath the lion's mouth.

Weight (Lbs): 3.25
Height (In.): 14.5
Width (In.): 8
Depth (In.): 11
Size: 138.5 x 4.0 x 4.0"
Maker: Unknown
Material: Brass, Steel, Hair
Date: C. 1850
Provenance:
Condition: Small raised lip of the brass crest at the top of the helmet. Minor tarnish spots along the metal, and relining of the interior.
History: In the mid 19th Century, Belgium was still struggling to assert its independence, requiring a strong military presence, but also a neutral stance, in order to keep itself afloat and away from the eyes of more powerful countries seeking to expand their territories. To accomplish this, Belgium was the second country, following immediately after Great Britain, to enter the Industrial Revolution. It immediately set the pace for rapid industrialization and quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the European continent. It fought through several wars in the 19th Century, one for independence.