1847 pattern helmet

[blueman]

whats the general opinions pleasehttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2014/post-10499-0-35312300-1414092550.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2014/post-10499-0-47905500-1414092565.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2014/post-10499-0-22973000-1414092582.jpg

[Mervyn Mitton]

I think one of our Helmet experts needs to comment. I can make a line of writing out around the Royal Cypher 'VR',

however, it is not clear. The questions that I would ask would be 1. why is the silver of the skull so rubbed and matt.

2. was it previously silver plated - or, even finished in gold plate.

I think that it may well be confirmed as an original - but, let's wait for other opinions. Mervyn

[theironduke1]

I think this is an 'other ranks' helmet from the North Somerset Yeomanry. It was worn by all ranks of the regiment from 1851-1900. Officers occasionally wore it after that time until 1914. The only difference between the officer's version and that of other ranks was in quality. The skull on the officer's was silver plated and the fittings were gilt and silver. For other ranks the skull was white metal and the fittings brass and white metal. In 1888 the regiment adopted a uniform almost identical to that of the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers). The difference being that the buttons were white metal for the N. Somerset Yeomanry and the yellow lace was replaced by white lace (silver for officers).

Edited October 25, 2014 by theironduke1

[peter monahan]

A lovely piece, with 'honest wear', as I'd expect for something of that age. Thanks for sharing!