PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An Other Ranks 12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers shako which has a scull and top of black patent leather with the upper sides covered in red melton cloth having gold gimp cord down the angles and the four corners of the top tipped in brass. To the wearer left side is a gold wire bullion boss having a brass button embossed with a crown, crossed lances and the number "12" on a light blue felt backing. The boss supports an ornamental brass plume holder with a stitched drooping plume of red horse hair. To the front is a brass rayed plate with the Victorian Crowned Royal Arms to its center, above which is the Prince of Wales's plumes and below a Sphinx on a tablet that is inscribed "Egypt". To the left side of the Royal Arms on a flowing scroll is the battle honor "South Africa 1851,2,3," to the right side is "Central India" while below on a three part scroll are "Peninsula", "Sevastopol" and "Waterloo" all being entwined with sprigs of laurel. To either side of the scull are lion head bosses that support a wide leather backed brass chin chain. To the interior is the original oil cloth liner with tuuel loop and adjustment tape still intact. Under the front visor is a paper sticker with the number "6" printed on it and to the top are some crossed out numbers and letters along with the "W broad arrow D" of the war department and the date "1893". The shako is in good condition with age damage and cracking to the leather, some minor black spots to the red melton cloth and a small bit of tearing to the liner. The brass parts are in very good condition with a light overall age patina and some minor verdigris to the corner pieces. A very nice example of a rare Victorian shako.

GRADE****1/4                             PRICE $2,580.00