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Circa 1815. Tall, highly elegant helmet, complete with all mounts. The helmet skull constructed of two parts of black lacquered leather, fitted with extensive mounts of silver-plated copper sheet. On the front, the large star with the “visage du soleil rayonnant” (radiant sun face) at center, enclosed within the mirrored monogram “L” of King Louis XVIII, below which the motto banner “Nec pluribus impar” (literally: Not unequal to many), surmounted by the crown. Large, wide feathered scale chains attached to rosettes in the form of the “soleil rayonnant”. Tall, finely relief-decorated comb with black fur caterpillar, side cheek guards in floral pattern, on the left side with socket and original white plume decoration. Interior with leather sweatband, this damaged/incomplete, the silk lining missing. Size approximately 52. Height approximately 41 cm. Typical wear and aging signs. Condition 2.

A very rare helmet of great historical significance!

The “Gardes du Corps du Roi” constituted the bodyguard of the French King. Access to this unit was restricted to members of the nobility and citizens from very well-established houses. Only four companies existed, stationed in Versailles. In 1791, the Gardes du Corps du Roi were dissolved. As their standard, the companies carried a flag with the “soleil rayonnant”. The motto “Nec pluribus impar” dates back to the Sun King, who adorned his coat of arms with it. It was also carried on the army's field standards.
Following the Treaty of Fontainebleau and the abdication and banishment of Emperor Napoleon, the grandson of King Louis XV and brother of King Louis XVI returned to France as King after his exile in England. In 1814, the “Gardes du Corps du Roi” were also re-established. In 1815, the King fled Paris hastily after Napoleon's landing, but was able to return following Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.

Circa 1814. Tall, highly elegant helmet, complete with all fittings. The skull constructed of two silver-plated copper sheets, with neck guard and front visor of the same material, each edged with gilt brass beading. Front features the distinctive emblem of the Musketeers of the 1st Company, the fleur-de-lis cross with flames in the corners within an oval shield of gilt brass, the interior of the cross is cut out and backed with silver-plated waffle plate. The emblem is surrounded by a finely crafted oak leaf and laurel wreath of gilt brass. Large feathered scale chains attached to large rosettes in the form of a "bursting" grenade from which flames and lightning bolts emerge. Tall gilt crest with lateral decoration of a flaming torch from which lightning strikes, front features the "bursting" grenade with the motto “Quo ruit et Lethum” (roughly translated: "Where it falls, there is death." This is the motto of the 1st Company), above which are the three fleurs-de-lis. The crest with exceptionally long black horsehair reaching to the soldier's hip, front features the small hair plume (marmouset). On the left side with socket and original black-and-white plume decoration of genuine heron feathers. Interior with blackened leather sweatband and brown silk lining. Size approximately 56. Very well preserved! Condition 2.

A very fine and extremely rare helmet of historical significance!

The Musketeers of the Guard (French: Mousquetaires de la garde) were a unit of the household troops of the French King (Maison militaire du roi) and functioned as a court guard. They gained fame through Alexandre Dumas's novel The Three Musketeers and its sequels and film adaptations. They existed with interruptions from 1622 to 1815. By tradition there were 2 companies, of which the first, the "Grey Musketeers" were quartered in the Rue de Bac and the 2nd Company, the "Black Musketeers" in the Rue du Faubourg in Paris. During the French Revolution the Musketeers were dissolved in 1792 and re-established by Louis XVIII in June 1814. As early as March 1815 the Musketeers were again dissolved by Napoleon. After Napoleon's defeat the Musketeers were briefly re-established once more, but then definitively dissolved in December 1815.

Circa 1815. Leather helmet, complete with all silver-plated fittings. The skull constructed of two parts, with the crowned oval emblem bearing the three royal fleurs-de-lis applied to the front, framed by palm and laurel branches. Large feathered scale chains attached to star-shaped rosettes with applied fleur-de-lis. Side cut protection bars with flames and spikes. High finely chased comb with black horsehair plume. The interior leather sweatband is missing, the leather of the front visor slightly shrunk. Size approximately 52. Typical wear and age-related traces. Condition 2.

A very fine and rare helmet!

The Garde Nationale was established in 1789 during the French Revolution and existed in various organizational forms until 1872. It was reintroduced in 2016.
During the Restoration period from 1814 onwards, it played an important role in maintaining public order. Although now centrally commanded, it was subordinate to the prefects locally and was only deployed at the local level. Only those who could arm, clothe, and equip themselves were admitted to regular service. This included only a few wealthy citizens who were also interested in maintaining the regime.