Original British Queen’s Crown Officer’s Blue Cloth Spiked Helmet – King’s Own Scottish Borderers Original Items

Original Item. One Only. This British Officer’s spiked helmet dates from probably the 1960’s, bearing the “Queen’s Crown”, indicating issue during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, which began in 1952.

It is from the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Regiment, first raised as the “Earl of Leven’s Regiment of Foot” on 18 March 1689 by David Melville, 3rd Earl of Leven to defend Edinburgh against the Jacobite forces of James VII. In 1752 it was designated as the 25th Regiment of Foot, and was awarded the right to bear the emblem of the Sphinx for their role in the Battle of Alexandria in 1801 during the Napoleonic Wars. It did not however partake in the Battle of Waterloo. In 1887 became the King’s Own Scottish Borderers under Gen. William Craig Emilius Napier.  Under this name it took part in the Second Afghan War, Second Boer War, and then in WWI and WWII.

This helmet, known as a Blue Cloth helmet, has all its brass mounts including the chained chinstrap, which can bet attached to the rear of the spike base, or on the side mount. The helmet plate is a large 8 pointed gilt Starburst with the “Queen’s Crown” on the top, with a gilt wreath on top of that. In the center is the Regimental Emblem, showing the Regiment’s “EDINBURGH CASTLE” logo under the motto INVERITATE RELIGIONIS CONFIDO (I put my trust in the truth of religion) and is in overall very good display condition. It also bears the motto NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA, the Edinburgh City motto, which translates to “Without the Lord, everything is in vain”.

The helmet is in very good overall condition, with the leather and cloth in great shape. There is a bit of damage to the regimental badge, mainly the left hand portion of the “crown.” The interior lining is intact and supple, though it does show age and wear. We estimate the size to be about a 7. A very attractive piece, ready to display!