3517 STUNNING CIRCA 1845 FRENCH DRAGOON OFFICER’S

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 700.00 USD
Estimated at 1,400.00 - 1,800.00 USD
HELMET. This helmet has a heavily gilded outer body with leopard skin wrap around the base. There is a plume holder on the left side, and the interlocking gilded brass chin scales on the chinstrap are terminated by 2 1/4" side bosses with a floral motif. The large comb at the top is also heavily gilded with a Medusa head on the lower side of the peak above a flaming bomb. The top of the comb has a black bristle plume in a gilded brass plume holder. At the rear of the comb is a long, black horsehair tail. The rear and front visor are edged in gilded brass and much of the original leather liner is still intact. CONDITION: the helmet body has a few shallow dents. The leopard covering has minor losses. The chinstrap buckle is in place but the tongue is partially missing. The front bristle plume and rear tail may be replacements but match perfectly. The large comb has a few dents and dings but far less than normally seen. Approx. 85% of the original gilded finish of this helmet is still intact. (02-22456/BF). $1,400-1,800.