A helmet M 1856 for dragoon troopers of the Garde Impériale Brass skull (chipped, small dents/cracks, neck warped), marked "395" on the back, dated "56" (1856), also stamped "DELACHAUSSÉE" (indistinct) and "D" next to the imperial crown (dragoons of the Guard). Brass emblem with relief embossing of the crowned "N" on two laurel branches. Fish bladder comb (small cracks, two screws missing) with gorgon's head and black horsehair tail, a short black horsehair mace (marmouset) inserted in front. Leather-backed chinscales (incomplete) on floral rosettes. Worn brown leather flap lining (cracks, small defects), partially detached from the skull. Partially damaged, signs of age. Rare, representative helmet of a unit of the guard cavalry of the imperial army under Napoleon III. Condition: III

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