September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
A British Dragoon Helmet named after Banastre Tarleton, commander of the British Legion in the American Revolution, who was famously portrayed in this style of headgear by Joshua Reynolds, this helmet has a leather body, with a slightly faded yellow turban and gold color chains, black bearskin crest, with large regimental crest side plate of the three Prince of Wales’ feathers in silver color emerging from a crown in gold, with the regimental motto ICH DIEN (“I SERVE”) in scroll at bottom. Peaked visor edges in silver band with "XII LIGHT DRAGOONS" in raised letters along base of crown above visor. Interior with 2/3 drawstring cloth lining. Organized in 1715, the regiment took on the title of 12th Prince of Wales's Regiment of (Light) Dragoons in 1768 and in 1784 was uniformed in blue with pale yellow trim, with the Tarleton helmet adopted about this time, and replaced by the shako by about 1814. They served in Portugal and Egypt 1797-1802, and in Spain 1811-1814, and in 1815 were heavily engaged at Waterloo. It was converted to a lancer regiment in 1816, later serving in the Crimea, India, the Boer War and both world wars. It was amalgamated in 1960 to form the 9th/12th Royal Lancers. The regiment's officer corps notably included the Duke of Wellington as a subaltern from 1789-1791. CONDITION: Good. Some fading to yellow turban. Tarnish to silvered and metal elements. Turban knot and bullion fringe in place at rear of helmet.
Item Dimensions: 17 x 7 x 11"