Original British Victorian Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry Trooper Helmet – Circa 1890 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very scarce totally original British cavalry helmet. The regiment dates back to 1798 to The Bolton light horse and became known as the Lancashire Corp of Yeomanry Cavalry in 1828. In 1834 it became, under King William IV, the Duke of Lancaster’s Corp of Yeomanry cavalry when The Duke of Lancaster became it’s Colonel-in-Chief.

By the second half of the 19th century the regiment became known as The Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry Cavalry. In 1877 this dragoon style helmet was adopted but the shell was black. After a few years the shell adopted a silver finish that lasted fewer than ten years and then reverted to black again. This helmet was used as a regular other ranks parade issue until 1914.

Later in 1956 the regiment became known as the Royal Tank Regiment up until disbandment in 1992.

This lovely black finished helmet dates from a short period in the 1890s when Queen Victoria was still on the British Throne prior to her passing in 1901. It is however also possible that it pre-dates that, and was originally bright silvered, and then painted black later when the standard returned to that.

Offered in lovely condition, the helmet comes with the original liner, leather backed chin scales, and horsehair plume. The large helmet plate bears the full regimental cypher with Three Lions, under the “Queen’s Crown”, correct for a Victorian Helmet. The chin scales also are retained by large “Rose of Lancaster” fittings. Much of the brass was gilded, and still is bright and attractive.

A very nice example of a collectible magnificent and scarce British cavalry helmet!