Royal Scots Helmets

[Jamie770]

The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) was the oldest Regiment in the British Army and, as such, was the senior Infantry Regiment of the Line.

It was raised in 1633 when Sir John Hepburn, under a Royal Warrant from King Charles I, recruited 1200 men in Scotland. The first Battle Honour awarded to the Regiment was Tangier 1680, since when a further 148 were gained in a history which involved them in almost every campaign the British Army has fought; the last awarded being 'Gulf 1991'.

On 28 March 2006, 373 years to the day since its formation, The Royal Scots merged with the other surviving Scottish Infantry Regiments to form The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Pictured below are a pair of Victorian Officers helmets, the first with gilt fittings being to a regular officer and the second with silver fittings being to an officer of the 5th Volunteer Battalion.

[Jamie770]

A close up of the regular helmet plate

[Jamie770]

The helmet plate of the 5th Volunteer Battalion

[peter monahan]

Absolutely gorgeous! Probably one of the least practical helmets ever issued to British troops but definitely one of the nicest looking, maybe THE most pleasing for infantry. You lucky, lucky man, you!

Peter

[Mike Dwyer]

Beautiful, absolutely stunning! :jumping:

[Mervyn Mitton]

Jamie - you certainly have some fantastic helmets in your collection. To have both examples in this condition makes me very envious !!

I never understand why so few people seem to have an interest in helmets - to me they are so collectable and rare. Thankyou for showing them - are there more police to follow ?? Mervyn

[leigh kitchen]

I can't see any images yet due to the server change, but the Royal Scots were one of the units to trial the white version of the Universal Helmet, I have a colour card of a group wearing the white helmet

[Stuart Bates]

Absolutely stunning pair of Blue Cloths. It looks as if the furniture has been re-gilded and the silver brought to near-new condition. Do you reckon they were professionally restored?

The Blue Cloth was not very well liked by those who wore it. The leather headband took a long time to soften and mould to the wearer's head - I suppose officers could order a much better quality of leather whilst ORs took what they were given.

One of the chief complaints was the lack of ventilation around the headband. Britain must have been warmer in those days.

The Royal Scots ceased wearing the helmet in 1904 and these examples are post 1891 when the title on the scroll changed to The Royal Scots.

Stuart

Edited September 12, 2009 by Stuart Bates

[Stuart Bates]

Leigh,

will you post the colour card of the Royal Scots trialling the white helmet?

Stuart

[Mervyn Mitton]

Stuart - good that you brought these back - I thought they were beautiful examples and in such lovely condition. I had wondered about the pristine condition of the badges - however, they are in keeping with the helmets - perhaps they were just stored away somewhere ? How long have you had them Jamie ? Should you ever think of parting with them, I'll 'fight' Stuart to see who can make an offer.....

[TS Allen]

Jamie,

Are either of the helmets named? They're gorgeous, always fascinating to see these sorts of pieces.

Also, Leigh, please do post that card! I'd love to see it!

~TS

[Busterdog]

I believe the helmet on the left is 2nd Bn who wore green backing to their badge - 1st Bn wore red.

[fallschirmjager]

Lovely helmets, l lament the merging of the famous Scots Regiment though, a very sad period, makes collecting helmets such as these more worthwhile I feel!