~ British Post 1902 Middlesex Regiment Officers Home Service Helmet ~
The black cloth helmet, by Hawkes, is complete with its gilt brass fittings including velvet backed chinscales.
The post 1902 pattern Kings crown helmet plate with grey metal Middlesex banner retains much of the original fine gilt wash finish. The rest of the helmets fittings are a dulled brass with just traces of gilt remaining.
The interior has the original cream leather and red silk lining, with green leather under the visors.
The makers stamp ‘Hawkes & Co. London’ is clearly visible to the interior of the helmet shell.
It comes with a ‘The Times Literary Supplement’ newspaper page dated Thursday, 16th of January, 1913. The page was found between the leather sweat band and canvas lining, placed there most probably by the owner to retain the moisture.
~ Dimensions ~
The helmet length is 10.2 inches (26.2 cm), its width is 7.1 inches (18 cm) and is 11 inches (28 cm) tall with the spike.
~ Condition ~
There is some loss to the cloth near the cross base for the spike fitting and a couple of other minor areas of moth damage. The fittings and liner are in good order.