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French 1st Empire Imperial Guard Dragoon Helmet

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
French 1st Empire Imperial Guard Dragoon Helmet
1st Empire 1806 pattern Dragoon helmet of the Gendarmes D'élite de la Garde Impériale (English: "élite gendarmes of the Imperial Guard") was a gendarmerie unit formed in 1801 by Napoleon as part of the Consular Guard which became the Imperial Guard in 1804. In time of peace, their role was to protect official residences and palaces. Tall "a la Minerve" Officers Helmet shell in cooper with most of its original un-polished fire gilting. Tall nicely "stamped out" Cimier (Crest) of officers grade with beautiful detail topped with the typical black horsehair crest and tail that is also period to this helmet. Medusa Head and "Palmette" in front, sides have a crescent moon encircled by a Infantry horn, and a snake coiled around a acorn branch. Fur decoration. Brass band above the visor reads "Gendarmerie Elite". A black horsehair Marmouset tops of the whole helmet and is affixed through the cimier. The brass chin scales are held in place by an embroidered tasseled cord attached to bosses with stamped lions head design. Inside officers liner is in two parts, complete and remains supple for its age. Both visors bear their original "basane" lining underneath. Tall white feather plume may be a later replacement. The 1st Empire crowned imperial eagle has become detached from the helmet. and is in poor condition with some soldered repairs. and the crown has broken off. Included. Very rare, we could not find any reference to this helmet.