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These were introduced into the French army under Napoleon in the early 19th century and were worn by the Grenadier a Cheval, the Dragoons of the Guard, the Carabineers , and the Guard Train. This example is from the era of the Third Republic, ie 1871-1914. The condition is extremely good for the age of the piece, the flames of the bomb still being in sharp relief with a little wear to the highlights. There is an even patina to the field of the buckle. A similar design was worn by the Gendarmes d'Elite, but this was in white metal. The Dragoons of the line wore a plain voided brass buckle. All these units wore their buckles on white buff belts with two sword slings. This example would appear to be a sand casting. NB: This has a natural shine which isn't replicated in the photograph, which was taken to illustrate the condition of the metal. |