France, Second Empire, 1852 to 1871 CE. A striking brass dragoon helmet with a long, flowing horsehair tail and a leather handle overlaid with brass petals. This helmet belonged to a member of an artillery horse regiment, perhaps part of the Imperial Guard of Napoleon III. Atop the helmet is a crest with a face; below that on the front of the helmet are crossed cannons. A band with a leaf design runs below this around the body of the helmet, just above the visor. A large, round hinge connects the strap. Size: 10.35" L x 6.35" W x 10.25" H (26.3 cm x 16.1 cm x 26 cm)

The dragoon-style helmet was introduced in 1762 by the French Army, replacing the tricorn hat for their dragoon cavalry regiments. These crested helmets were based on those of the Classical World, then very much in vogue. By the early 19th century, Austrian, the British, the Prussians and even the Canadians had chosen to emulate the design. Helmets like this were last used in World War I, although then they wore drab helmet covers to provide camouflage.

Provenance: Ex-Schuetz Collection, Florida

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#119255

Parts all original, with some wear /scratching to surface of helmet as shown and some areas where it has been slightly misshapen. Leather strap is intact.