Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part III)

Queen’s Own Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry, a very fine and original officer’s ‘bell top’ shako c1838-1849, the black felt and French plush body of 1830 light dragoon pattern with sunken black leather top bottom bracing band and bound front peak, a deep band of silver oak-leaf pattern lace around the top, gilt lion’s mask and ring cap line ornaments set upon the lace, large silver plated circular Royal Crest side ornaments support correct pattern chin scales these velvet lined, gilt metal hussar pattern plume ornament with falling horse hair and ‘shaving brush’ plume (replacement), shako plate in gilt metal bearing central cypher ‘VR’ and unit title circle and upper scroll, above this on a triple layered black silk cockade a gilt crown, internally is the original black leather chin strap (the scales were worn permanently tied up behind the plume holder), original sweat band with part of the attached silk lining, original crown silk lining mounted correctly on cartridge paper, three of the graduated chin scales are missing from the wearer’s right hand section and the only evidence of the plush finish is behind the cockade, otherwise the cap is in very sound condition for its age £3500-4500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Late Major (TA) Roy Wilson Collection of Headress Sabretaches and Badges.

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Note. This example would appear to be an amended example from the 1831-38 period, the ‘V’ shaped leather side panel bracers have been removed and there is evidence that the earlier and broader ‘WR’ shako plate was used; internally the holes caused have been contemporarily reinforced with fabric panels. See Uniforms of the British Yeomanry Force 1794-1914, No 11’ by R. J. Smith.