French Shako unknown date and service

[seagull]

Obviously French and, I suggest, from Republican times due to the lack of a crown on the eagle. Other than that the owner and I know nothing of its date or part of the services - internet searches show a lot of similar shako but nothing quite like this one. Any suggestions anyone?
Thanks, Steve

 

[Sandmann]

A nice Hat, may be Clovis can help. He is french and got a deep knowledge in militaria.

 

[911car]

Yes, Steve, French. 1852 model (Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, also known as Napoleon the 3rd. 2nd Empire).

 

[seagull]

Thank you yet again Bruno. The owner thought it might be from the Crimean period but the lack of a Crown on the eagle made me, and him, doubt that. Of course Napoleon 3rd was President before he declared the third Empire, so still just about Republican in 1852. It is a very lovely piece despite the missing chinstrap etc. Knowing exactly what it is will make his day, and has educated us both!
Many thanks, Steve

 

[Francobritishcollect]

Hi. No it is a shako for an NCO of Saint Cyr school (the French military school for officiers) with a Second Empire eagle added on. Plaque and body don’t belong with each other though.
Best

 

[seagull]

Thanks for that unexpected update, it is a really interesting piece and, to be honest, neither I nor it's owner would ever have worked that out -being without any reference works on French headgear. Any idea of just what should be the insignia for St.Cyr?
Thanks again,
Steve
Edit: I just saw the correct eagle on Age of Kings website, I will pass that on to the owner in case he wants to correct it.

 

[Francobritishcollect]

No worries. The plate should be a brass exploding grenade with a band underneath with the motto “Ecole Spéciale Militaire”. Second Empire shakos are much taller. BTW - The pompon is also not correct.
Best
Alex