57TH (WEST MIDDLESEX) REGIMENT OFFICER’S BLUE CLOTH HELMET C. 1878-81, a rare example, the blue cloth skull complete with all gilt metal fittings, the front peak of rounded pattern, the crowned star pattern plate (original to the helmet) with laurel and Garter overlays, in the centre on a ground of black leather (now shrunken) gilt numerals ‘57’, red moroccan sweatband with crimson silk lining (mainly detached) and retailer’s label ‘J.Haslett Woolwich’, together with a japanned metal carrying tin, very little gilt remains overall, the retaining finial of the spinal strap is loose but the retaining nut is present, loss of pile to the blue cloth overall otherwise sound condition
£400-500
x1444
THE ESSEX REGIMENTOFFICER’S BLUE CLOTHHELMET C. 1881-1901, the blue cloth skull complete with all gilt metal fittings, the very fine frontal plate of crowned star pattern with oak leaves and Garter overlays, in the centre on a ground of black velvet a silver Sphinx/Egypt over Gibraltar Castle/motto ‘Montis Insignia Calpe’, at the bottom a silver scroll ‘The Essex Regiment’, buff leather sweatband and trade label ‘Best London Manufacture’, the plate not original to the helmet, together with the japanned metal carrying tin with trade plaque ‘Traylet & Co., Portsmouth’, one small moth hole otherwise very good overall condition £500-600
