French Early 19th Century Sapeur & Pompier Brass Helmet
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $795.00

Original era manufacture. Handsome brass helmet with a wonderful black horsehair crest and on the left side a large red horsehair plume. On the front of the helmet is a large Imperial-style eagle flanked by draped flags with its talons clutching a flaming baton, below is a bandeau with the words "Srs. Pompiers Devouement De Cluny". On the visor below are two large crossed axes, rigid brass chinscales on each side. Napoleon I created the first fire fighting units in France which had a decided military influence. As the eagle is without a crown (Napoleon III eagles generally have a crown) this helmet may date prior to 1815. I'm not going to say too much more regarding the date of this old helmet so as to not muddy the waters. However I do have an interest in this era myself collecting-wise and generally the eagle plates indicate the two Napoleons. Ok, after that bit of nonsense, back to the helmet's description. There is no liner, although the front and rear visors have a leather covering. Numerous square cut nuts are employed to keep things together. The front visor wants to pivot and looks to have been held in position with brass rivets or wire as matching holes can be seen on the helmet body. I have not tried to move this back in place, that will be up to you to do, or not. At the end of the day, its a wonderful old helmet as is, the patina is perfect and when mounted on a stand or display head, it looks magnificent.