6262 - An M 1858 helmet for members of the Cuirassiers and an M 1825 cuirass

An M 1858 helmet for members of the Cuirassiers and an M 1825 cuirass Sheet-iron bell (stamped on the reverse with “973,” “1854,” “4C,” and “L” in an oval) with a seal skin turban (missing sections, laced at the back) and brass fittings. Richly embossed crest (indentations) featuring a Medusa head, fish bladder, and laurel motifs, a short black horsehair plume, chin straps made of wire rings on a leather backing attached to brass rosettes; the marmotet and side feather supports are missing, as is the inner lining. Accompanying this is an iron cuirass in a standard-issue model without lining, featuring all-around lining rivets, leather-covered shoulder straps, and a belly strap; the heavy breastplate is signed at the lower edge “Manufre R ale de Chatellerault 8bre 1838 2T. 2L No. 407”; the back plate bears illegible traces of a signature at the bottom and is stamped “994, 161” and “B” on the right shoulder. All cuirass straps are torn and repaired. Incomplete, slightly damaged, with signs of wear and age. Condition: III