147 Dragoon helmet of the Légion Royale (Ancien Régime), similar to the model 1786.
Brass helmet with a riveted, flooded embossed crest.On the obverse with the crowned French royal coat of arms within laurel branches. Long black horsehair tail. Attached lower part of leather with origanal fur trimming (missing parts). Two fluted brass rosettes on the right and left sides. Spring bush grommet on the right side. Leather peak attached to the front. Complete with original burlap lining and brown leather sweatband.
On May 7, 1758, the former Volontaires Royaux received the designation Légion Royale after the brave and brilliant defence of Hoya. The corps was increased to 2000 men. The formation was maintained in 1763. The cavalry (dragoons) served under Louis XVI and eventually formed the 1st Regiment of Chasseurs à Cheval.
Exceptionally rare dragoon helmet from the last third of the 18th century. Only a few examples have survived from the Ancien Régime, mostly in museum collections.