Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is really eye catching! This set dates from the end of Queen Victoria’s reign in that the helmet displays a Queen’s Crown on the helmet plate. The exterior of the helmets shows very well with much gilding still remaining on the mounts. The interior leather headband is in good shape however the red silk lining is worn. Manufactured by one of London’s most prestigious military outfitters, HAWKES & CO. Inside of the helmet is nicely stamped:
CORK PATENT
HAWKES & CO
14 Piccadilly, London
SOLE – MANUFACTURERS
This famous Company is now called Gieves and Hawkes and still exists on the renowned Saville Row in London. The Helmet also has a hand written paper label to the interior that reads:
416 Haynes R.A.
(Presumably the name of the owner)!
The Tunic is fine quality dark blue Melton cloth with superior officer’s top of the market quilted lining. It is complete with all King’s Crown Regimental Buttons and red and gilt collar telling us the jacket buttons date from after 1901.
The Epaulettes are made of woven gold thread and display the insignia of a Crown and a Pip on either shoulder indicating the owner was a Lieutenant Colonel. With the Tunic comes a pair a very tapered Royal Regiment Officer’s trouser with wide red strip down each leg indicating a Royal Regiment.
Finally the set comes with the gold thread Officer’s Snake Buckled waist belt and very elaborate document pouch smothered in gilt embroideries complete with gilt cross belt making this a truly magnificent outfit on which no expense was spared.
Dating from approximately 1895-1905 serving under Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and then Edward the Seventh (1901-1910) when Great Britain was at the very peak of power, plenty of research potential for this rare high-ranking British Victorian officer’s Set.