2nd French Empire 1850's Royal Palace Fireman's Helmet

Description

2nd French Empire 1850's Palace F
ireman's Helmet. Marked "Dresden 20.02.1904 underneath the front brim with some earlier markings beneath the later markings. It's probably the name of the original wearer but difficult to decipher. Obviously a war trophy taken by the Prussians during the Franco-Prussian War. The Napoleon III crest would indicate that this particular helmet was associated with the French palace.
The
Second French Empire
(French
:
Second Empire
; officially the
French Empire
, French:
Empire Français
), was the 18-year
Imperial
Bonapartist
regime of Napoleon III
from 14 January 1852 to 27 October 1870, between the Second
and the Third Republic
of France
.
Historians in the 1930s and 1940s often disparaged the Second Empire as a precursor of fascism. That interpretation is no longer promulgated, and by the late 20th century they were celebrating it as a leading example of a modernising regime.
Historians have generally given the Empire negative evaluations on its foreign policy, and somewhat more positive evaluations of domestic policies, especially after Napoleon III liberalised his rule after 1858. He promoted French business and exports. The greatest achievements included a grand railway n
etwork
that facilitated commerce and tied the nation together with Paris
as its hub. This stimulated economic growth and brought prosperity to most regions of the country. The Second Empire is given high credit for the rebuilding of Paris with broad boulevards
, striking public buildings, and elegant residential districts for upscale Parisians.
In international policy, Napoleon III tried to emulate his uncle Napoleon I, engaging in numerous imperial ventures around the world as well as several wars in Europe. He began his reign with French victories in Crimea and in Italy, gaining Savoy and Nice. Using very harsh methods, he built up the French Empire in North Africa and in Southeast Asia. Napoleon III also launched an intervention in Mexico seeking to erect a Second Mexican Empire and bring it into the French orbit, but this ended in a fiasco. He badly mishandled the threat from Prussia, and by the end of his reign, the French emperor found himself without allies in the face of overwhelming German force.
His rule was ended during the Franco-Prussian War, when he was captured by the Prussian army at Sedan in 1870 and dethroned by French republicans. He later died in exile in 1873, living in the United Kingdom.
The helmet is in good condition with the usual dents and age markings. The original leather sweat band and chin strap are still in place. All the leather is dry and fragile and could use some conditioning. Please see all the photos for condition and ask all questions before placing a bid. Thanks for looking!