French M1858 Cuirassier Enlisted 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: $2395.00

Original era manufacture. A very clean example recently purchased from a now defunct European military museum. Standard 1858 pattern enlisted helmet which was worn until the next pattern change in 1870. The most distinctive difference between the two being the wide horsehair band on the 1858 model, which was deleted with the later one. Further, there is a metal ridge, or lip, which extends around the circumference of the 1858 model which the later helmet lacks. The helmet is quite sound with a high polish to the crown, very nice black horsehair band which laces in the back, elaborate brass comb and it's distinctive black horsehair tail. The red-white-blue cock feather plume is incorrect for this helmet as is the black hank of horsehair jammed into the top of the plume socket. Excellent quality replacements for both can be had from Turner & Laughlin of Tucson Az. The interior of the helmet features its complete original leather lining with a leather covered underside of the front visor, the rear leather covering is missing. Most of the oval shaped nuts which hold the comb in place are present, with four replacement screws holding the liner in place. The replacement screws are a goofy repair job, they really stick out from the inside of the helmet, good thing is that you cannot see them from the outside as the horsehair band covers them up. A great looking old helmet, of a pattern which saw extensive service during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.