Original British ERII Household Cavalry Life Guards Helmet, Cuirass, and Tunic Set – Circa 1960-70 Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. This set bearing Queen’s Crown dates anywhere from 1953 until the early 1990s as it was surplused off from the Ministry of Defense stores at that time. Based on the style and markings, the set is most likely from the 60s or 70s.Unlike the Horse Guards who wore blue tunics, the Life Guards wore red tunics and the horsehair plumes to their Cavalry helmets were white and not red. These are the Cavalry you see clattering along beside the Queen’s Coach on all State occasions. and stand guard outside the Royal residences as well as the Foot Guards who wear Bearskin Helmets.

This very nice British Life Guards of the Household Cavalry set consists of a helmet, cuirass armor and tunic, long left in an attic. Here is a cuirass set of breast and back plate together with its original over the shoulder scaled shoulder straps. the edges of the armor set with multiple brass studs.

Then the original helmet complete with ringed brass chin scales, used leather liner with trooper’s helmet plate with queen’s crown and white horse hair plume to top, all showing wear and long term storage.

Lastly the lifeguard troopers red tunic, with blue collar and cuffs, made by Hobson & Sons Ltd of London, as indicated by the tag at the back of the neck. All matching stay bright buttons are present, together with a few scattered random moth holes to the fabric. There is gold braid around the collar and gold piping at the cuffs and around the epaulettes.

On the tunic’s interior there is still the maker’s label on the tunic lining stating the tunic was made for a ROYAL SIGNALS BAND member, but does not give his name. It gives the specific of the fit, and specifies that it is an O / R Band Tunic, for “Other Ranks” such as enlisted men and NCOs.

All very nice, original early ERII issue, a lovely helmet, tunic and cuirass set. Straight out of the attic waiting to be displayed!

Tunic Measurements (as on label):
Chest: 40 ½
Waist: 33 ½
Seat: 40 ½
Sleeve: 7 ¾ / 32
To W.: 17 ½
Length: 28 ¼
Col.: 15 ¾
Height 5’8”