Officer's Helmet 1871-1914



The final pattern heavy cavalry helmet was introduced in 1871. It had a plainer gilt skull with a laurel leaf design along the top of the peak and down the centre of the back of the helmet. On the top was a cross piece that formed he base of the four-sided fluted plume socket. The black falling horsehair plume had a slim metal spike that slotted into the hole at the top of the plume holder. The badge on the front was based on the design of the previous helmet for the 2nd Dragoon Guards, having the VR cypher in a garter inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE instead of the regimental title. The Simkin paintings feature this helmet. The First World War ended the wearing of full dress and therefore the helmet, but in peacetime, when the occasion demanded, this helmet continued, and is still seen today when the cavalry bands are on parade. The example in this photo is from a Bosleys catalogue of March 2007, with a price set between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds.


Regimental details | Helmets


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by Stephen Luscombe