A cuirassier's helmet, Italia, Regno, 1870 ca. - Kingdom of Italy, circa 1870

This type of helmet was used by the Royal Carabineri during the wedding of Prince Umberto and Margherita on occasion of the event celebrated in Florence in 1868 when Florence was capital of the Kingdom of Italy; the model was subsequently modified in Rome when the capital was moved there; the first models mounted the cross on the helmet and in the centre of the armour. Black-varnished steel skull, shaped iron comb terminating with an oval coat-of-arms bearing  the crowned initials of Vittorio Emanuele II, surmounted by a velvet covered comb (not the original), radiate plaque is predisposed for the insertion of the eagle but is now surmounted by an Umbertine star, iron chin straps have been partially restored; turned edges present gilt rivets in the form of petals, repairs to inner lining. The lot is in very good condition, extremely rare, with repairs and minor defects.