16th Lancers Pre World War One Other Ranks Chapka

Here we offer an early 20th Century headgear for the 16th Lancers. The Lancers and their classic form of headdress were adopted by the British Army in 1816 from the famous Polish Lancers that rode for Napoleon. The Chapka stayed in service well into the 20th century as a full dress accouterment that instantly identifies these units.

This example, with the Kings Crown Chapka Plate, the regimental coloured cap band, along with the black plume, identify this helmet to the 16th Lancers. All helmet parts are present, including the lined chin scales, the plume finial and the cloth liner. The cap is overall in fine shape, but for a small 1/2 " tear in the black ribbed cloth panel at the rear of the helmet and some marring in the leather finish either side of the rear helmet seam. Otherwise this example stands out as a fine specimen of this form of headgear for this unique arm of the cavalry.

Code: 50527