French M1872/1874 Dragoon Helmet With Rare Pale Blue Issue Field Cover

A magnificent French Dragoon helmet of the M1872/1874 pattern with its rare field cover in blue for other ranks . These were in wear early 1915 by the troops of the French Dragoons who were in that early period engaged in reconnaissance , guarding the flanks & covering the infantry as well as liaison & escort.
The Dragoon helmet is identical to that worn by the Cuiraissiers with the minor difference of no plume socket (marmouset) to the top of the crest. The skull , peak & neckguard are made from cast sheet steel which from a lobster tail to the rear with Medusas head to the front of the crest & thirteen palmettes seperated by water lillies. All of the fittings & the badge are of brass this including the chin scales which are adjusted by use of a partially concealed strap inner buckle system. The plume socket is set into the side of the helmet although the plume has long gone . The front plate has a grenade set into two laurel branches this integrating with the bottom edge of the crest as the top grenade flame reaches upwards. To the crest is mounted black horsehair with a pleat which allowed it to be tied up so it did not flutter in the face of the cavalryman. Interior of the helmet has survived in very good order with the undersides of each peak lined in card . The sheepskin liner tongues are all good with no damage to holes. The blue cover fitted here is shown as it came & has clearly not been off of the helmet in many years. As of 1915 the French army ordered that helmet covers were now to be of pale blue fabric in line with the new Horizon Blue uniform however colours varied greatly from various depot & private sources . Distinguishable from its Cuirassier counterpart without the hole for the 'marmouset' it has a tightening cord around its edges. A hole at its rear allows the crest to be pulled through.
A fabulous French cavalry helmet which would take pride of place in any WW1 headgear collection.

Code: 13452