Pre-WWI British 3rd (The King’s Own) Hussars Officer's Busby

This is a magnificent and historically significant officer's fur busby, presented in fabulous condition and preserved in its original identified storage tin. The set belonged to Captain F.G. Watson, providing excellent provenance for this high-status item of cavalry headwear.

The quality of the fur is absolutely superb, retaining its original depth and texture. The blue busby bag is accented with gold trim and remains entirely free from moth damage. It is correctly fitted with a gilded wire woven cockade and ornate cap lines wrapped around the centre of the busby. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a white Morocco leather liner with its original drawstring. While there is some natural age toning to the white leather, it remains intact. The upper inner crown bears the beautiful gilt maker’s logo of Hamburger Rogers and Company, King Street, Covent Garden, London.

The busby is complete with its full suite of original accessories. This includes the correct long white plume and the specific Hussar pattern plume holder with its gilded ring. Also present are the protective carrying bag, a long set of cap lines, the original plume tube, and the beautifully gilded, leather and velvet-lined chin chain. The storage tin features a Captain Watson label and the Hamburger and Sons metal maker's plate on the exterior.

The 3rd Hussars, originally formed in 1685, have a long and distinguished history including service in the Napoleonic Wars and the Boer War. At the outbreak of WWI, the regiment was part of the 4th Cavalry Brigade and saw service in France, later converting to armoured troops for WWII. This complete, identified set represents a rare survival of Edwardian-era military splendour.

Ref; 95632