Stuart Bates

The collection to date - Cavalry Stuart

Bob, a lovely cap. It appears that the Royal Scots Greys adopted the Van Dyke pattern between 1846 and 1857 as it is only specified in the latter Dress Regulations. It was gold for officers and white for ORs. Stuart

Interesting that the cipher is VR, i.e. Queen Victoria, and the crown would also appear to be that of QV. I suspect that the Duke is correct in saying that it is a theatrical piece. Stuart

Here is a Vero's detachable headband from 1933. Stuart

Roger, it is without doubt a "smart helmet" but the headband could be a later addition as its fixing to the headshell looks remarkably like that patented by Vero in 1925. The plastic to the interior is a mystery and the underside of the brim was usually green. An intriguing helmet but must have been rather uncomfortable to wear. Stuart

Jerry, I took a liking to the forage/pillbox caps and so went for it (them). I was tempted lately by sabretaches but the prices are way too high for me Stuart

Mark, to answer your question I started by only collecting pre-WWI but an interest in the Wolseley helmet took me passed that but back to my roots now. Stuart

The King’s Own Royal Regiment, the Norfolk Yeomanry was formed in May, 1901 by the direction of King Edward VII. During the period 1849 – 1901 Norfolk had no Yeomanry Regiment. Prior to that the County of Norfolk Yeomanry had been known as the Norfolk Rangers, finally disbanded in 1849 and re-raised as the Norfolk (Norwich) Mounted Rifle Corps and in 1862 renamed the Norfolk (Norwich) Light Horse and disbanded in 1867. Some of the men joined the Suffolk Yeomanry as the Norfolk Squadron. The Other Ranks helmet below was introduced in 1905 replacing a rather beautiful Colonial Pattern cork helmet which for officers had a royal blue puggaree and had twelve gold braid retainer loops evenly spaced around the puggaree. Stuart Bates

The second helmet is a four panel, rather than the authorised six panel, version. It is not yet identified to a regiment but has the soldier's regimental number and name (Pte. G. Lowe) inked to the interior. Note the corrugated cork ventilation between the headband and the helmet shell. This seems to have been used only in the so-called "Mediterranean Order." For a discussion on four panel helmets see http://www.militarysunhelmets.com/2013/ ... ial-helmet Stuart

The interior of the wicker helmet which has a stitched cotton lining. The weave of the wicker can be clearly seen. Stuart

I should be so lucky Chris. But I think officers mostly preferred the cap with a peak and a "floppier" construction at that time. I would say 1880s to 1890s. Stuart

I recently picked up a couple of helmets in an auction. I was particularly pleased with the wicker one complete with cover. For a discussion on wicker helmets see http://www.militarysunhelmets.com/2012/ ... er-helmets Stuart

Another forage cap. This one to the Royal Fusiliers. The badge features the Imperial Crown of Queen Victoria. Stuart

The latest - a forage cap to a Volunteer battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. It is unusual in being of blue cloth rather than the regulation L.I. green but since two are (were) on the market I decided to go for it. The other one is described as being of a lighter blue than normal and, although cheaper, is not as good a quality as this one. I also wondered about the white braid above the oak-leaf lace and the white button but concluded that it was OK. These forage caps were discontinued for Light Infantry sometime between 1894 and 1900. Stuart

A pillbox cap to the Royal Berkshire Yeomanry complete with storage/transit tin. The figuring to the top is that of the 15th Hussars. Stuart

Here is the latest addition. A Colonial Pattern foreign service helmet to the Victorian Military Forces c1893. Actually, it can't be called a foreign service helmet because it was worn on home service. This officer's helmet is covered in very fine Melton cloth, sometimes referred to as doeskin. Stuart

The Staffordshire Yeomanry top figuring. Stuart

Here is a rather nice "cheesecutter" style forage cap to the Staffordshire Yeomanry. It is the first of this style that I have been able to get. I do not know from where the term "cheesecutter" is derived but would be interested if anyone can shed some light. This cap is unusual in that it has gold lace/braid rather than silver but has been verified by the Regimental Museum. The figuring to the top is that of the 14th Hussars. Stuart

And a lovely forage cap to a volunteer battalion of the South Wales Borderers. Stuart

Here is a pillbox cap to the 11th Hussars of the Charge of the Light Brigade fame. Stuart

The 44th would have worn the Bell-Top shako introduced in 1829 but modified over the years until its replacement in 1844. A Horse Guards circular of 1835 replaced the feather plume with a ball tuft - white for line regiments, dark green for Light Infantry Companies and black for Rifles. This had taken effect by 1st April 1836. A subsequent order of 22nd February 1839 replaced the chin scales with a leather chin strap. A subsequent order, 26th August 1841, replaced the leather chin strap with a brass chin chain secured by Lions' head bosses. Below is my c1835 shako which closely matches the one worn during the 1st Afghan War. Thanks to Brian for his article on this fascinating piece of British history. Stuart

I swore that I would never return to this forum, but time passes. Here is what I wrote to my friends on this item. And I am hoping that Blueman is really kevin1947 on other forums. And you still cannot spell Boer correctly! In my opinion it is rubbish. the braid to the four edges is new and should look like it has a seam down the middle because of the way it is braided. Could be modern bandsman's braid. the waistband looks new, possibly also a modern bandsman's the loop at the rear should be mounted on a four leaf base with a hook to take the cap lines and the chinchain when worn up the plume boss has been made up - it is too large and the red is not the correct colour - to me it looks far too pink. overall the condition of the trencher top is not that good and is skew-iff Stuart www.militarysunhelmets.com

Odulf, splendid photos of Scots Guards. Perhaps you should start a thread with them say under Photo Collectors Forum? Yes, my thread on the peaked cap has taken many turns and why not take the opportunity yourself to initiate the thread you mentioned? It will get plenty of support. Stuart

Thanks Clive, it is always good to get background information on items posted. We are way off topic on this one but it's good. Stuart

Clive, another lovely addition to your collection - both the cap and the CDV. Any further information on the VRC you care to share? Stuart