French Garde du Corps du Roi Model 1814 Helmet

Black lacquered Leather helmet shell in excellent + condition for its age. All trim in silver. The frontplate/bandeau is a large sunburst, in its center a "Face" surrounded by two "L" and topped by the Royal Crown for King Louis XVIII. The base is decorated with clouds along with a bandeau mentioning "NEC PLURIUS IMPAR" (Superior to All) allocated to Louis the XIV. The back of the bandeau is decorated with leave motifs. Both sides of the shell are decorated with a two branched "Palme". 

The Cimier is made of three parts. The "Mask" or front part and both the "feather" stamped sides along with acanthus leaves to the base. 8 screws and nuts are holding the cimier to the helmet shell. A silvered brass "Porte Plumet" on the right side of the helmet to hold the tall feather plume.

The chinscales are in silver lined over a black velvet base. They have a finely chiseled endind, respectively made of 4 and 3 parts alternatively. The ending is a cord. Both side have the silver rosace of the Sun, in its center the sun's face holding them to the helmet shell. The original to period black Mane (criniere) tops the cimier. Inside lining is a modern replacement that we left as is.

This is probably one of the most beautiful and prestigious helmet of the "Maison du Roi" series. Can easily be upgraded to its original looks if one wishes to bring some shine to the silver (we do not recommend). A nice testimony to the Prestigious and Glamorous period of the immediate return of Royalty in France.