A Mexican cavalryman’s helmet captured by American soldier Colonel William S. Harney during the Mexican-American War, c. 1840s. [2051×2554]
The elite Tulancingo Cuirassiers were a heavy cavalry unit which fought at Angostura, Cerro Gordo, Churubusko, and the battles for the Valley of Mexico. Their ornate uniform was based on French Napoleonic Cuirassiers. Their coats were dark blue, trousers were red with a blue stripe. They wore bronze cuirasses and helmets.