Recent content by RoyalScotsVols

Many thanks for your note! I'm uncertain about exactly why the artist has shown the helmet lying on its side. However, the painting is dated 1882 which would have been around the time the unit was changing to the 4th Bn RSF so possibly it was a nod to this impending change.

Thanks Brian, much appreciated!

Hi Patrick, Changing the damaged parts for items from the spares box could certainly have been an option. However, the helmet – although somewhat neglected and damaged – was complete. As the base could be salvaged, I was keen to keep it original.

Thanks Patrick, I'm very pleased with it - it has come up very well and is from a rare militia regiment. As you note, there was a fair amount of damage to the cross base which had clearly been struck hard bending the fairly thick metal of the base and pushing in the cork body of the helmet. The...

The Prince Regent’s Royal Ayr and Wigtown Militia was a historic militia regiment in the South-West of Scotland. The title of Prince Regent refers to George IV who held this position from 1811 to 1820 owing to the incapacity of his father George III during the final years of his life. Tracing...

Your helmet has the metal binding to the front peak, rear spine and the silk lining to the internal head band which would normally be characteristics of an officers helmet. However, I'm afraid that your helmet is not of an officers quality but also I do not believe that it would have been for...

Hello Sam, Firstly, welcome to the forum! Unfortunately I think your helmet is a reproduction as the fittings etc. are not of the quality I would expect from an original helmet. I attach below a few photos of my 26th Regt helmet for you to make a comparison.

Hello Sam, Thank you for your query - I'll answer by replying to your post in the 'New Collectors Corner'. Cheers, Jamie

I would agree with chinstrap, it is a reproduction helmet. In respect of cleaning, careful removal of the plume stem, helmet plate and ear rosettes followed by the use of a product like Hagerty's Silver & Multimetal Cleaner (taking great care that no water gets onto the lining or chin chain...

Terrific helmet in very good condition! It is even better that the tin is named and that you have been able to source a photograph.

In 1908 the Lothians and Berwickshire Imperial Yeomanry were transferred to the Territorial Force and renamed The Lothians & Border Horse. Under the Territorial & Reserve Forces Act 1907, the Territorial Force was intended for home defence during wartime and members could not be compelled to...

The Childers Reforms introduced to the British Army in 1881 created larger regiments each comprising two regular battalions which would allow for one to serve at home whilst the other served abroad, often in India. At the same time, it was decided that a new elite regiment of Rifles should be...

Helmets to both the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Royal Lanark Militia are extremely rare, having only been worn for three years. Below is the two helmets together.

The history of the 2nd Royal Lanark Militia was very similar to that of the 1st noted above. However, in 1881 under the Childers Reforms, the 2nd Battalion broke from the 1st and assumed the title of the 3rd and 4th (Militia) Battalions of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Both battalions were...

It's great to see it restored to its original condition!