A very scarce dragoon officer's helmet called 'Alla Minerva' dating: First Empire provenance: France, Brass skull with remains of gilding, very slender at the front side according to the fashion of the late Empire period. The leather is the only well preserved part of the fur band. Brass crest already gilded, fixed to the skull with nine pointed screws. On the front there is a relief printing of the characteristic Medusa head, a palmette and a laurel branch entwined with an oak. Black horsehair feathers, at the back side of the crest, long horsehair of the same colour. Black leather visor, bordered and riveted in brass plate (Bardin's regulation of 1812).Complete with brass scaled chin-straps with velvet interior on two large studs with a central star in high relief. On the left side the plume-holder. Interior with leather cap with wolf's teeth (signs of use and time, with gilded remains at the borders). Fascinating helmet in good condition. height 42 cm.