Original British 20th Century Royal Fusiliers Bearskin Helmet with Silver Chin Scales and Regimental Badge Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. One of Great Britain’s oldest regiments, the Royal Fusiliers were raised in 1685 as the “Ordnance Regiment”, to combat the the bastard son of King Charles the Second, the Duke of Monmouth who was later beheaded after the Battle of Sedgemoor. The regiment was redesignated as the 7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fusiliers) in 1751, and served throughout the Wars of the Spanish Succession and by 1773 was posted to Canada. They participated in the Battle of Quebec in 1775 and were in New York City by 1776. The fought at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778 and later joined Cornwallis Charlotte North Carolina in 1780. They served at the Battle of Guildford Courthouse in 1781 and surrendered along with Cornwallis in 1781, returning to England in 1783.

The regiment then fought in the Napoleonic Wars in the Peninsular Campaign, the Crimean War, and the second Afghan War of 1878-1880, after which they were renamed the The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Under this name they took part in the 2nd Boer War, WWI, the Russian Civil war, and WWII.

It most likely dates from the mid 20th century, and has the standard wicker basket inside supporting the bear skin. The helmet still retains it’s original heavy silvered chin scales, with both attachment hooks inside the helmet intact. The interior unfortunately no longer has any size or makers labels, as they were often removed during service. The liner is present, and in very good shape, so it may have been refurbished while in service.

The front of the helmet bears a silvered “Flaming Bomb” regimental badge, with the “Tudor Rose” Royal Emblem in the middle. Around this is a blue enamel circle, which has the regimental motto HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, usually translated as “shame on anyone who thinks evil of it”. This French maxim is also the motto of the Order of the Garter, the most senior British order of Knighthood.

Overall condition is very nice, with little wear or degradation. A magnificent display piece and an excellent example of this type of bearskin helmet. Ready to add to your collection!