France, Third Republic (1870-1940). - Lot 288

France, Third Republic (1870-1940). Garde de Paris helmet, model 1849/53/76. Minerva-shaped, nickel-plated steel helmet with minor dents and traces of oxidation, stamped "798" on the back. Steel visor and helmet cover lined with basanes (later style) and edged around the perimeter with a brass ruffle and stamped "798". Brass headband and rim embossed with a radiant sun and, in the center, the coat of arms of the city of Paris with a three-mast nave surmounting a banner inscribed "GARDE DE PARIS". Stamped brass crest, attached to the bomb with eight screws (4 x 2), the mask stamped with acanthus leaves, the fins stamped with seven decreasing oval water drops, framed by smaller water drops and foliage corollas, partly decorated with a twisted molding. The "rain screen" protecting the top of the crest is decorated with a braided mat, the mane missing. The eaglet holder is present with a scarlet horsehair puff. The brass plume-holder on the left side of the bomb is present and of the Garde de Paris model with a brass plume olive. Pair of chinstraps with brass curb chains in the shape of intertwined "8", mounted on black leather chinstraps and their brass radiating center rosettes (later leathers, quality reproductions). The inside of the bomb is painted with old black paint. 30 cm (not including fin-holder). (Inner cap missing, small bumps on the bomb, very oxidized and pierced nape, three crest attachment screws missing (some screws not present in the model), helmet restored in the past, as is).