Porto- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, Circa1845–1855

19th century

Sold by Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

Description

A fine and early example of a British Heavy Cavalry Officer’s “Albert Pattern” Helmet, dating from around 1845–1855 and belonging to the prestigious 6th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards.

This impressive all-brass helmet displays beautifully crisp chased decoration throughout, with a bold brass finish and excellent definition to every leaf and scroll.

The large frontal plate is mounted with the crowned “VR” (Victoria Regina) cypher within the Garter star, inscribed “P.C.W. DRAGOON GUARDS.” The plate is surrounded by rich oak-leaf and acanthus ornament in high relief, typical of superior officer’s quality.

Above rises an ornate flame-shaped plume holder of chased brass leafwork, fitted with a red feather plume, completing the classic early-Victorian heavy-cavalry silhouette.

The peak and rear neck guard both retain their bold, chased oak-leaf borders, and the brass link chin-chain is secured by rose-pattern bosses to either side.

Inside, the helmet retains its original red Moroccan-leather sweatband with remains of the black oil cloth crown lining and drawstring tie with original red leather lining with makers label "Cater 56 Pall Mall London". All correct for this early period and rarely found intact today.

The construction, with a riveted central seam and leaf-decorated crest base, confirms early manufacture prior to the widespread adoption of silver-plated versions after the Crimean War.

This example presents extremely well, showing only honest age wear to the liner and minor surface marks to the exterior. The finish is bright and the detail crisp throughout, with no modern replacements or restorations evident.

A superb and authentic early Victorian officer’s helmet from one of Britain’s most distinguished heavy cavalry regiments — seldom encountered complete and in such condition.

Condition: Very good, retaining original interior, bright gilt finish, and replaced plume. Minor age wear and liner losses commensurate with age. “Minor loss to one leaf tip on the rear acanthus mount beneath the plume base (see photos); stable and not structurally significant.” approximatel 4cm mm. See photos.

Dimensions: Approx. 33 cm high including plume socket (41 cm with plume).

25cm deep.

20cm wide

Weight 885 grams

Date: Circa 1845–1855

Regiment: 6th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards

Material: Brass with red leather interior

Declaration

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this piece to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1174619

Dealers Internal Reference

C31323

Dealers Notes

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road

WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.

We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.

Web page:-

https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/

Description

“

This impressive all-brass helmet displays beautifully crisp chased decoration throughout, with a bold brass finish and excellent definition to every leaf and scroll.

Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

fig 1. PORTO- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, circa1845–1855 — fig 1. Porto- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, Circa1845–1855

The large frontal plate is mounted with the crowned “VR” (Victoria Regina) cypher within the Garter star, inscribed “P.C.W. DRAGOON GUARDS.” The plate is surrounded by rich oak-leaf and acanthus ornament in high relief, typical of superior officer’s quality.

fig 2. PORTO- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, circa1845–1855 — fig 2. Porto- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, Circa1845–1855

Above rises an ornate flame-shaped plume holder of chased brass leafwork, fitted with a red feather plume, completing the classic early-Victorian heavy-cavalry silhouette.

The peak and rear neck guard both retain their bold, chased oak-leaf borders, and the brass link chin-chain is secured by rose-pattern bosses to either side.

fig 3. PORTO- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, circa1845–1855 — fig 3. Porto- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, Circa1845–1855

Inside, the helmet retains its original red Moroccan-leather sweatband with remains of the black oil cloth crown lining and drawstring tie with original red leather lining with makers label "Cater 56 Pall Mall London". All correct for this early period and rarely found intact today.

fig 4. PORTO- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, circa1845–1855 — fig 4. Porto- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, Circa1845–1855

The construction, with a riveted central seam and leaf-decorated crest base, confirms early manufacture prior to the widespread adoption of silver-plated versions after the Crimean War.

This example presents extremely well, showing only honest age wear to the liner and minor surface marks to the exterior. The finish is bright and the detail crisp throughout, with no modern replacements or restorations evident.

fig 5. PORTO- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, circa1845–1855 — fig 5. Porto- British 1847 Officer’s Helmet –Victorian of the 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards, Circa1845–1855

A superb and authentic early Victorian officer’s helmet from one of Britain’s most distinguished heavy cavalry regiments — seldom encountered complete and in such condition.

Condition: Very good, retaining original interior, bright gilt finish, and replaced plume. Minor age wear and liner losses commensurate with age. “Minor loss to one leaf tip on the rear acanthus mount beneath the plume base (see photos); stable and not structurally significant.” approximatel 4cm mm. See photos.