~ Edwardian Dorsetshire Regiment Spiked Blue Cloth Helmet ~
An 1878 pattern dark blue cloth helmet complete with gilt metal cross piece, spike and rose pattern ear bosses that support a velvet backed gilt chin chain. It also has a gilt metal spine running down the rear of the helmet and a gilt metal trim around the front peak.
To the front, a gilt metal helmet plate, to the centre the regimental badge on a field of black velvet. Below the silver scroll is inscribed “The Dorsetshire Regiment”.
The inner lining consists of light brown leather sweatband and green leather under the visors.
~ The Dorset Regiment ~
The Dorset Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army from 1881 to 1958, the county regiment of Dorset. Until 1951 it was formally called The Dorsetshire Regiment, although usually known as “The Dorsets”.
~ Dimensions ~
The helmet is 7.5 inches (19 cm) tall (without the spike) and 11 inches (28 cm) tall (with the spike). It has a depth of 10.75 inches (27.5 cm), a width of 7.25 inches (18.5 cm) & weighs 535 g.
~ Condition ~
The cloth is clean, with no moth holes. The top of the helmet is compacted with the cross base warped, should be easy to push back into shape. The inner lining has numerous scratches and stains to the leather. The brass fittings are in decent order with the original gilding. The velvet is partially detached from the chin chain.