Margerand - Les coiffures de l'armée français - Gesuchtes Werk! - 2002

The Hairstyles of the French Army
The monumental work “Les coiffures de l'armée française” by Joseph Margerand is the absolute “Bible” of French military headgear.
Although the word “Coiffure” in modern French usually means “hairstyle,” in the historical and military context it strictly refers to head coverings (hats, helmets, shako, caps).

The content is organized strictly by branches of service (themes) and chronology, covering the period from 1791 to 1900 without gaps. Each chapter details the development from the ordinary soldier to the general:
1. Infantry (line and light infantry)
Revolutionary era: The classic helmets (such as the Tarleton helmet) and the large felt hats (two-point/Bicornes). The era of the shako: Comprehensive analysis of all official models (1801, 1806, 1810, 1812) up to the late models of the 19th century.
Details & accessories: Particular attention is given to the musicians, drum majors (Têtes de colonnes) as well as the various patterns of the metal shako plaques (Plaques de shakos).
2. Cavalry (Mounted troops)
Heavy cavalry: The monumental metal helmets of the cuirassiers and carabiniers.
Middle & light cavalry: The leather helmets of the dragoons and the distinctive tschak bas? tschakos (or schapskas) of the Polish and French lancers (Lanciers).
Hussars & Jägers: The colorful busbies (Mirlitons), hussar shakos and the fur caps (Colbacks).
3. General Staff & specialized formations
Officers & Marshals: Development of the splendid, plumed bicornes for the higher officer corps.
Royal Guard & household troops: The extremely rare and elaborate headgear of the Maison du Roi, the Gardes du Corps and the Cent-Suisses from the Restoration period.
Colonial and special troops: The introduction of more exotic headgear, as worn for example by the Zouaves.
4. The visual material in the book: about 125 full-page color plates: These are largely based on the original historical light-prints by Joseph Margerand and the drawings of Giacomo Benigni. The pieces were documented directly in the French Musée de l'Armée or in exclusive private collections.
Over 450 black-and-white and color drawings: Precise detail views of pommels (Kokarden), chain chinstraps (Jugulaires), pom-poms, plume decorations (Plumets) and the craft-based internal constructions of the hats.

Condition: light signs of wear on the cover, interior: clean and with a solid binding.