Antique Military Sapper-Firefighter Helmet, Model 1855/72. France, 19th Century

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Antique Military Sapper Firefighter Helmet, Model 1855/72. France, 19th Century

Antique military sapper firefighter helmet, Model 1855/72, manufactured in France in the 19th century and in good condition. The helmet belonged to a member of one of the French military units responsible for firefighting at the time. This was the Sapeurs-Pompiers, a corps established in 1831 to allow French municipalities to employ army militias for firefighting duties. In 1875, a final decree was issued to regulate the functions and status of the Sapeurs-Pompiers corps.

The helmet stands out for its beautiful design and excellent state of preservation. The gold finish is uniform and even, retaining its original lustre. On the front, the helmet features a large embossed motif with a shield depicting a spherical bottle with flames rising from its neck. Surrounding the shield, the metal is decorated with laurel and oak branches, which adorn the coat of arms of France. The top of the helmet is crowned by a large gilded crest, secured with rivets and in good condition.

The crest features a front volute and is decorated with classical motifs on the sides, creating a piece that is as striking as it is spectacular. On the right side of the helmet (as viewed from the front), a welded metal appliqué supports an airy plume of black horsehair. The plume is original to the period and is very well preserved. The helmet also retains its original adjustment strap, made of metal pieces layered over a fabric webbing base.

This superb, antique Model 1855/72 military sapper firefighter helmet will shine in its own right in any display case or as part of a collection of military antiques.