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Title Sapeurs Pompiers de San-Francisco helmet plate
Nationality French
Period c 1830-48
Sold

These were worn on a brass helmet with a high comb and elaborate chinscales. They were nominally part of the army and the '2' denotes the regiment. However, there is a puzzle here. San Francisco is the Spanish spelling of the name rather than the French - could this point to a West Indies or Canadian connection?

It is a die-struck badge in gilding metal (10.5 x 12cm) and its condition is excellent, although patinated with age. One soldered fitting on the reverse has worked loose. There is a die fault to the left-hand axe, visible in the photograph, showing a split of approximately 1.5cm.

Prov: from the J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. Pattern Book Archive, sold at auction by order of the National Army Museum, London.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Badges : American : 19th Century]

testimonials

just recieved my kukri. its a lovely piece with a bit history, love it. it will add greatly to my collection.

R C, UK, 04.09.2015

We did get it. My son was thrilled. Thanks.

A K, USA, 07.04.2009

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