Description
Physical description
Helmet of polished steel having a peak and lobster tail back that are decorated with brass trim, a high ornemental raised brass comb that is faced with a Medusa's head, with flowing horsehair mane attached. A decorative plume socket, with red brush, is fitted and mounted above the Medusa'a head. To the front of the helmet body is fitted a brass plate that features a flaming grenade with laurel branches either side. A plume socket of brass is fitted to the left side of the helmet body and a leather chinstrap, faced with brass chinscales, is fitted, worn by convention resting on the peak. Inside, the helmet has a seven tongue liner and the rear lobster tail is lined with red leather, the front peak being lined with grey leather.
History note
Although of a type introduced much earlier, this form of helmet was common to both cuirassiers and dragoons of the French Army up until 1915 (dragoons had no plume holder mounted above the Medusa's head). The black horsehair mane was a common feature to all 12 cuirassier regiments (trumpeters wore red), and a detachable red feathered plume was worn to the left side by all ranks but only for Full Dress.
In 1914 the cuirassiers rode to war in red pantaloons and short dark blue tunics, resplendent in their helmets and breast plates, and the last army to do so in action. Their only concession was to cover the bright metalwork in less conspicuous covers of pale khaki fabric.
By spring of 1915 some cuirassier regiments had been re-assigned to work as infantry or machine gun troops and the tall brass comb was removed with the helmet covered in a close-fitting fabric cover. Uniforms too eventually changed, as horizon blue became more acceptable for trench warfare. In the fullness of time with the universal adoption of the Adrian pattern steel helmet, the special cavalry helmet was put aside until the Armistice, relegating its use aftrward to the confines of ceremonial dress.
This example is lined with leather to inside of the peak and lobster tail, indicating that it was manufactured before 1912, as after that year those sections were painted green.
Inscription
58
3.C
109
Inscription
GODILLOT