Original British WWI British Royal Army Named General Officer’s “Dress No. I” Peaked Visor With White & Khaki Covers Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations’ air forces, space forces, and marines or naval infantry.

In some usages the term “general officer” refers to a rank above colonel.

The term general is used in two ways: as the generic title for all grades of general officer and as a specific rank. It originates in the 16th century, as a shortening of captain general, which rank was taken from Middle French capitaine général. The adjective general had been affixed to officer designations since the late medieval period to indicate relative superiority or an extended jurisdiction.

Today, the title of general is known in some countries as a four-star rank. However, different countries use different systems of stars or other insignia for senior ranks. It has a NATO rank scale code of OF-9 and is the highest rank currently in use in a number of armies, air forces, and marine organizations.

No. 1 Dress, or “dress blues”, is a ceremonial uniform, worn on only the most formal of occasions and by senior staff officers, aides to the Royal Family, and to the personal staff of senior officers in command. It is not generally issued to all units, with the khaki No. 2 Dress functioning as the main parade uniform.

No. 1 dress originated in the “undress” uniforms (‘blue Patrols’) worn for semi-formal or ordinary duty occasions in the late 19th century. It was first issued in its current form for the 1937 Coronation, intended as a cheaper alternative to the full dress uniforms that had been generally withdrawn after 1914. It became known as No. 1 Dress in 1947. Army units participating in the 1953 Coronation wore the new uniform as a temporary issue.

This example of the No. 1 Dress Peaked Visor was worn by a member of the British Royal Army who was ranked higher than a Colonel, although we do not know which specific “General” rank. The visor is in good condition with minor moth nips present throughout. The red 1 ¾” wide band features a lovely General Officers insignia constructed of gold and silver bullion. The visor has two rows of gold bullion oak leaves around the edge, indicating any of the Generals ranks above Colonel. Unfortunately the rows are partially detached from the black leather visor. The inside of the visor has the early “quilted” style red lining, consistent with the high quality tailor made visors. The leather sweatband is partially detached and shows signs of minor wear. On the inside of the leather sweatband there is a name written and it appears as Fenten but we have not been able to identify this officer. There are similar names on General Officers rosters, but we cannot read the name properly as it is written.

The two separate covers are in lovely condition with signs of very little wear. The white and khaki covers would have been sold along with the visor as a “set”. Both still retain full color and surprisingly enough, the white cover is still bright and not extensively stained!

This is a wonderful set of a hard to find General Officers dress peaked visor.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.