{ patrimoine }
… un c a s q u e e s t co m p os é d e 9 0 é l é m e n t s e n l a i t on , e n cu i r e t e n c r i n f i x é s e t a jus t é s a v e c un e p r é c i s i on d ’ o r f è v r e …
the oldest date from 1913, are
or horsehair parts which are
painstakingly restored to their
attached with a goldsmith’s
original state. “This gives them
precision to a chromium-plated
a new lease of life of about 15
steel helmet. Just to make the
years”, the master-saddler tells
legendary black or red plume
us. He adds that a dozen or so
which adorns helmets worn by
new saddles are also made each
members of the mounted band
year in the workshop, which is
takes no less than a whole day’s
equipped with a unique press
work!
with a balance mechanism for
Leaving the world of metal and
shaping the leather. Under Guard
leather, we move on to the cloth
Hue’s responsibility the saddle
of the tailoring and conservation
workshop also makes and
workshop, ruled over for the
repairs shakos, the traditional
last 25 years by Guard Laurent
headgear of infantry regiments
Léonhart, tailor and designer.
which sports a plume made
“I use period illustrations as a
from rooster, rhea or egret
starting point to design outfits
feathers according to the rank of
ranging from the time of Louis
its wearer.
IX to the First Empire. They are
In the armoury, under Chief
used for historical events”, he
Warrant Officer Minne’s
explains. This is quite a feat
authority, sabres are restored by
when you know that 667 of them
hand including assembly of their
are currently operational!
94 components so that they
We cannot leave the workshops
remain faithful to their original
without mentioning the 20
design. The armoury also makes
blacksmiths who work in
and restores cavalry helmets.
barracks where horses are kept,
Some of these are displayed
such as the Célestins barracks
on shelves while waiting for
on boulevard Henri IV. Valiantly
restoration and the scintillating
shoeing 10,000 hooves each
metal seems to light up the
year, they are proud to have
room.
preserved a method of forging using three hammers.
a goldsmith’s precision
Thanks to these expert
“It takes 40 hours of work to
in the pursuit of perfection, and
assemble a helmet”, discloses
whose work benefits the whole
Guard Boyez. It is hardly
of the Republican guard, the
surprising when you learn
future looks bright for French
that each one is made up of
tradition.
90 separate brass, leather
craftsmen who are constantly
83