Original Item: Only One Available. Formerly part of the decoration of the Yeoman Warder’s Club at the Tower of London comes this lot of two contemporary (Circa 1990s-2000s) British Bobby Police Helmets of the “Comb Top” variety. The traditional Bobby helmet was named after the creator of the British Police Force, SIR ROBERT PEEL, who became Prime Minister under Queen Victoria. The particular version seen here, known as a “Comb Top”, replaced the earlier “ball top” and “rose top” helmets used in many areas. The pattern features a pronounced ridge on the top of the helmet, which is capped off by a silvered fitting bearing a coat of arms.
The enameled silver type Helmet plate bears the Heraldic Shield of the County of DERBYSHIRE constabulary in the center. The black enamel circle inside the starburst reads DERBYSHIRE CONSTABULARY, and the badge is surmounted by the correct “Queen’s Crown” for Queen Elizabeth II, with red highlights. Condition is quite good, and the helmet still retains the liner and both chin straps. A great collector’s item!
IMA recently acquired a collection of headgear from the Yeoman Warder’s (aka “Beefeaters”) Club located at the Tower of London. The club has a strict policy of allowing only members of the Yeoman Warders and their guests entry. It has become a tradition over the years for visiting guests with any current or prior military or police service to leave one of their pieces of headgear. Over the years this collection has grown to large, leaving the Warders to liquidate the collection to IMA! Making this quite the exclusive offering!