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an image of a gold helmet with feathers on a black backgrounda black and gold helmet sitting on a black surfacea black and gold helmet with feathers on top of ita helmet with a gold decoration on ita close up of a hat with a tag on it
Maître Jean Emmanuel PRUNIER

61 - OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE KING’S GENDARMES.
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Estimate €8,000 - €10,000
Sale commission
Description
OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE KING’S GENDARMES. Restored during the reign of Louis XVIII, circa 1814–1815. Two-part helmet made of hot-moulded black leather, sewn lengthways. Visor and neck flap in black patent leather. The visor, slightly pointed at the centre, is edged with a gilded brass band secured by rivets; its reverse side is waxed green. The neck flap is black waxed on the inside. Extensive trim of stamped and gilded brass. A front plate of over-gilded brass, decorated in relief with the arms of France beneath a royal crown, against a background of smoke and lightning bolts. In its lower section, a large flaming thunderbolt surmounts a cartouche bearing the motto of the Gendarmes de la Garde: ‘QUO JUBET IRATUS JUPITER’ (Wherever angry Jupiter commands). On either side of the helmet, gilded brass appliqués depicting flaming bolts of lightning from which flashes of lightning escape. A crest in stamped and over-gilded brass, decorated with panels, foliage and lightning motifs, tapering towards the back. It is fitted with a substantial black horsehair plait. Chin straps with scalloped gilded brass scales, mounted on leather covered in black velvet, formerly re-gilded. Side rosettes adorned with a relief motif. Gilded brass plume holder, tubular in shape with a square cross-section. Inner lining comprising a black leather headband and sewn fabric. The helmet is accompanied by an old handwritten label bearing the inscription: ‘Helmet of the officers of King Louis XVIII’s Gendarmes, formerly owned by Mr Eugène du Plessis, purchaser of Trois-Fontaines’. Total height: approximately 34 cm. In good overall condition considering its age. One rivet from the visor rim is missing. The inner leather headband is worn and shows signs of wear and tear.
See original version (French)
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About the sale TRANSFORMING MATERIALS
Auction location
Auction time 11/08/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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