Victorian Scottish Fife Mounted Rifles Officer’s Helmet

A good 19th century example, the skull, front and rear peaks are of black patent leather. To the front, a regimental pattern helmet plate bearing the Thane of Fife on horseback wearing full armour set against a gilt brass ribbed satire with IX below. This in turn mounted onto a four pointed silvered star.; below, a tri-part scroll inscribed “Pro Aris et Focis” with FMR in gilt to centre. To the crown a four pointed star base supports a gilt metal plume holder with white horse hair plume. Two star and saltire bosses support a velvet backed silvered chin chain which is the original and correct pattern. The interior with original material and sweatband, this pattern of helmet was worn with plume from 1864 and was replaced in 1896. Note chin chain has had a replacement leather backing.