RARE Antique French M1872/74 Dragoon Cavalry Helmet - H. COLEPY & CIE - Stamped For Sale

Up for sale is an exceptional, 100% authentic French Model 1872/74 Dragoon / Cuirassier Heavy Cavalry Enlisted Trooper\'s Helmet. This museum-quality piece is in completely untouched, uncleaned \"attic-find\" condition—exactly the type of honest historical integrity that serious militaria collectors look for. Under bright lighting, the stunning Neo-Classical craftsmanship of this over 150-year-old artifact truly shines. **Key Features & Premium Details:*** **Rare Private Manufacturer Mark:** Stamped clearly into the steel shell directly below the horsehair tail is the prestigious 19th-century private contractor maker mark: \"- H. COLEPY & CIE\" (H. Colepy & Compagnie). Private manufacturer-stamped examples of this quality are highly rare and deeply prized by collectors over standard state arsenal marks.* **Crisp Registry & Tracking Stampings:** Sitting just above the manufacturer name are exceptionally clear, matching military tracking marks stamped into the steel: - Top stamp: \"63\" (size/arsenal block mark) - Middle row: \"1772\" followed by a capital \"D\" (series production code) - Lower row: Regiment number \"71\" and the clear 1873 production/issue year stamp of \"73\", perfectly bracketing the official \"B in a circle\" arsenal controller proof mark.* **The Crest & Comb:** Features the signature high brass ornamental comb, intricately engraved down the spine with a beautiful, stylized serpent/snake motif. The front of the comb terminates in a fiercely detailed, crisp Medusa head finial.* **Frontal Bandeau & Plume Holder:** A beautiful brass frontal plate featuring the iconic heavy cavalry \"Flaming Bomb\" insignia, framed by beautifully preserved oak and laurel leaves. Includes the original side-mounted brass plume holder socket.* **Chinstrap & Hardware:** Includes the original leather-backed chinstrap, completely covered in its interlocking brass protective scales (jugulaires) and circular ear bosses. Remarkably, the original tiny brass chinstrap buckle is fully intact and in place—a feature almost always lost to time on these helmets.* **Interior Lining:** The underside reveals an incredibly well-preserved, original dark leather multi-tongue inner liner. The leather remains fully intact with its original ventilation eyelets.Dimensions:** Helmet measures approximately 10\" in height, 9 1/4\" in width, with a beautifully preserved 21\" flowing horsehair tail.**Condition Notes:**This helmet possesses an incredible, honest historical patina. The steel dome shows uniform cosmetic surface oxidation/rust consistent with age, but the metal remains entirely solid with no deep pitting, cracks, or structural damage. The brass elements have aged beautifully to a rich, dull gold tone without any green verdigris corrosion. The interior leather liner and chinstrap backing are brittle due to being over a century old, but they are completely structurally sound. I have intentionally chosen NOT to clean, polish, or alter this helmet in any way to preserve its maximum historical and financial value. **Shipping & Handling:**This delicate historical artifact will be professionally packaged using a secure \"double-box\" method. The horsehair tail will be safely isolated to prevent tangling, and the interior will be padded to protect the leather liner. Shipped with full calculated postal insurance and Signature Confirmation required upon delivery to prevent mail fraud.

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