BRITISH SOUTH AFRICAN FOREIGN SERVICE HELMET - NATAL CARBINEERS

Originally issued to British troops as the Foreign Service helmet, this is an officer's version; it would have been issued without any adornments whatsoever, with possibly the addition of a regimental badge. The helmet obviously saw service in South Africa, which will become obvious further in this description. The helmet, apart from not having any adornments other than a possible regimental badge, was issued in a white Melton material. This particular helmet has seen further service with the famous South African Regiment known as the Natal Carbineers. The helmet has been over-finished in a white emulsion, has had the addition of a British Home Service helmet spike and spike base, lion’s head side bosses with a Home Service pattern chinstrap. All of the fittings match the age of the helmet, with a further addition of the scarce badge, the Victorian Crown of the Natal Carbineers. The interior still has remains of its officers red silk lining, which is attached to the complete and undamaged inner Morocco leather grained officers quality lining. The remainder of the interior of the helmet in a light green brushed cotton. Therefore we have an original 1879 period helmet, reissued to an officer in the Natal Carbineers. The Carbineers served as light mounted infantry in Lord Chelmsfords central column and suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Isandlwana. They served during the Siege of Ladysmith during the Anglo Boer War of 1899 to 1902 and are still a serving unit in the modern South African forces.

Ref; 97284 XSW