French Dragoon Officers Helmet - 1874

Helmetz

Helmetz

Member
A French Dragoon Officers Helmet 1874.

These were used in the early stages of WWI, and like Pickelhaubes they were used with covers to hide their reflective properties. This particular model has the leather covering on the front and back "bills" instead of green paint which I believe indicates production prior to 1914. Also of particular note is the gold liner embellishment which is also somewhat unusual. I am uncertain why the red and white plumage or what it signifies. As found, uncleaned and untouched, the shell appears to be nickel coated copper. I'd completely given up on this one and another uncommon helmet, but after five years or so, they've finally made their way into my collection.

As always, any additional information and/or comments are greatly appreciated.

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Very nice addition to any militaria collection John.

These French Heavy Cavalry helmets are certainly in a league of their own when it comes to style and compelling design.
 
That’s an impressive helmet and a type I hope tro own one day. I do not have enough knowledge to buy one without more exposure to real examples.

Thanks for sharing
 
ccj said:
That’s an impressive helmet and a type I hope tro own one day. I do not have enough knowledge to buy one without more exposure to real examples.

Thanks for sharing
Click to expand...

Thanks for your comments, it's a learning curve for me as well.
 
Hello Jean,
A fine Dragon officer's helmet. To answer Steve's question, the Dragons were not heavy cavalry. Only cuirassiers were. The cuirassier helmet is identical, but with a marmoset on the medusa head.
Only the troop helmet was painted green under the nape, the officer's helmet receives a thin beige or brown basane under the visor and under the lobster tail. Only officer's helmets have an inner liner with gold fringe.
The shell is made of sheet steel, copper-plated and then nickel-plated. Brass or tombac would not be rigid and solid enough. ( please do the magnet test, normally it should react, despite the 2 plated layers. )

I don't have an answer for the red and white plumeet. I know the red one. I'll do some research.
 
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CLOVIS 57 said:
Hello Jean,
A fine Dragon officer's helmet. To answer Steve's question, the Dragons were not heavy cavalry. Only cuirassiers were. The cuirassier helmet is identical, but with a marmoset on the medusa head.
Only the troop helmet was painted green under the nape, the officer's helmet receives a thin beige or brown basane under the visor and under the lobster tail. Only officer's helmets have an inner liner with gold fringe.
The shell is made of sheet steel, copper-plated and then nickel-plated. Brass or tombac would not be rigid and solid enough. ( please do the magnet test, normally it should react, despite the 2 plated layers. )

I don't have an answer for the red and white plumeet. I know the red one. I'll do some research.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the additional information, it is very much appreciated! I was aware of the difference between the various calvary units and their roles, but your comments on the helmet construction clarify quite a bit and are very most appreciated. Plume color information has been elusive for me, so thanks for any help in identification.
 
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