Home Service Helmet Royal West Surrey Regiment, Officer Version, Victorian. Photograph

Victorian Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment Home Service Helmet. Original Victorian officers Home Service Helmet of the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. This example dates from the late 19th century, circa 1880-1902. Complete with all original officer's gilt elements, chinstrap, hangers, spike and base.

Officers vs. Other Ranks Helmets

Metal Finish: Officers' metal fittings and badges were made of premium gilt metal (or genuine silver/bronze depending on the specific regiment). Enlisted men’s helmets utilized standard, inferior brass or basic white metal fittings.

The Brim Edge: The outer brim of an enlisted helmet was bound in leather all the way around to protect it from fraying. Officers' helmets featured a sleek metal trim rather than a leather bound edge.

Rear Spine: Officers' helmets featured a distinctive vertical metal spine (back strap) running down the rear seam. Enlisted helmets had completely plain cloth backs without a metal strap.

Product Details:

• Archival quality photographic paper
• Original photograph - not reproduction