This is a French 2nd Empire era Carabiniers officer's helmet. The skull and peaks are silver plated. The skull is stamped "2500", "54 1/2" and "SIRAUDIN" at the rear. The comb, front plate, chin scales, plume holder and edging are brass. The comb has a decorative design with a face at the front. There is a flowing black horsehair plume on the top rear of the crest with a short red horsehair plume at the front. The helmet plate has a floral design with a banner at the top marked "FLUCTUAT NEC MERGITUR" translated to "He who rises with the wave is not swallowed by it" with four towers over a shield having a sailing ship on it. There is a red feather plume extending from the plume holder on the left side. The chin scales have a leather backing. There is lining on the peaks and inside are black leather.

Very good, the silvered components have a generally bright appearance. The brass components have an aged patina with a reddish hue in some areas. The plumes are very good. The leather is good with cracks and flaking.