Antique French Cuirassier’s Helmet and Cuirass Set. Model 1874

Superb antique French cuirassiers helmet and cuirass set model 1875, in museum condition. This striking piece comes from France and is original from the 19th century, being otherwise wonderfully preserved. The set is complete and preserves even the most delicate parts such as the helmets inner lining or the crowning natural feather (probably the original one). The helmet also keeps the original ponytail, a thick black horse mane with a central braid. Both the cuirass and the helmet bear several engraved marks the helmet shows the number 57 (probably the size), a symbol inside an oval frame, a P letter and the mark A. GODILLOT. On the other hand, the cuirass bears a hand-engraved inner inscription: Manufacture Darmes de Châtellerault, accompanied by a date (September 1877). The helmet is really a gorgeous piece. It is in flawless condition and shows a great attention to detail. It has a top crowning brass piece with a mask and a front detail, also made of golden metal. This detail contains an image depicting a spherical bottle with flames coming from its mouth, framed by branches. The cuirass preserves the original golden metal shoulder straps and chains, also greatly preserved. The leather belt at the waist is original too and is complete, with its brass buckle and rivets. It is slightly worn, but this detail is scarcely visible. Any collector of military antiques will be dazzled by this antique French cuirassiers helmet and cuirass set model 1875, in museum condition and amazingly attractive.French Cuirassiers History The Word cuirassier designs certain type of cavalry soldier who is protected by a cuirass. They are direct heirs of medieval knights, from whose armors only the cuirass and the iron helmet are kept. The first cuirassiers which appeared in Europe emerged in the 15th century, but surely the most famous corps was the French Cuirassiers, created before the Napoleonic Wars. This corps was created through three decrees, all of them emitted by Napoleon Bonaparte (who was still a consul in those days) in 1801,1802 and 1803. It emerged with the intention of reinforcing the cavalry corps, which had not been very successful in the revolutionary wars. In order to reach the goal, the soldiers protection was improved by adding the cuirass which would give them their name. During the Napoleonic Wars the French cuirassiers became legendary because of their courage and skills, taking part in different contents such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Invasion of Spain and the Battle of Waterloo. The last war in which this corps took part was the so-called Second Intervention, an armed conflict held by some European countries (France among them) with Mexico between 1862 and 1867.