First Life Guards


Helmet, 1842


This is a photo taken at the National Army Museum in Chelsea. It is probably the uniform of Lord Combermere. As well as showing the embroidered collar and epaulette, it gives a clear view of the fist pattern Albert helmet, named after Prince Albert who married Queen Victoria in 1840. He took a great interest in the appearance of the British Army.
The helmt is basically silver with gilt mounts and chinstrap. The plume comes out of an 'acanthus' holder (replaced in 1871 by the less ornate version used even today) The peak is the most striking difference between this helmet and the later one, having a very complicated leaf pattern in gilt.


Regiment | Uniforms


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by Stephen Luscombe