BRITISH 1871 PATTERN CAVALRY HELMET OF THE 7TH (ROYAL) DRAGOONS
HISTORY
The 7th Dragoon Guards were raised in 1688 as LORD CAVENDISH'S REGIMENT OF HORSE. They fought at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, Blenheim in 1704 and Ramillies in 1706. They served throughout the 1700 and 1800s becoming known as the 7th, THE PRINCESS ROYAL'S, Dragoon Guards.
Our helmet dates from approximately 1870-1880, from when the regiment fought in the Egyptian Campaign, specifically at The Battle of TEL EL KEBIR in 1882. This was one of the last battles, as well as the battles in Sudan, where victorian style dress uniforms and helmets were still used in combat. By the 1900 Boer War field gear was pretty much all Khaki and the red uniforms and brass helmets were for Parade use only.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This example is very presentable, featuring a Starburst Helmet plate with "Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense" (Evil to him who evil thinks) Regimental motto encircling the numeral "7" to front of all brass helmet bowl complete with laurel and oak leaf decorated bandings. Complete with its original Black and White Horse hair plume to top mount. The leather liner is in good condition. A couple of minor dents commensurate with its age that do not detract from its appearance. The last of the Military Battle helmets that fit into any British African Colonial Campaigns of the 1870s/1880s and 1890s. Highly decorative.