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.

This is a Napoleonic design which may, indeed, be little different from the early 19th-century original. There was a National Guard in Paris since the days of the Revolution in 1789, when they were commanded by Lafayette. They remained in business right up to 1914 and beyond.