The Royal Irish Regiment Officer’s Blue Cloth Helmet c. 1881-1901, a good quality example, the skull complete with all gilt metal fittings, the frontal plate of crowned star pattern with laurel and Garter overlays, in the centre on a ground of red velvet a crowned Harp with attendant shamrock sprays in silver, title scroll below ‘The Royal Irish’, red moroccan sweat band with attached silk lining, supplier’s trade label for Maxsted, Regent St., London, contemporary ink inscription C.J.Howard, the plate is not original to the helmet, the chin chain is lined with red moroccan (no velvet), buckling to the gilt rear spinal bar otherwise good overall condition £400-500