This is a rare Victorian era Officer's lance cap circa 1888. The skull and peak are black patent leather. The cap waist is encircled with heavy gold lace. The mortar board is of smooth red melton cloth with ridged sides. The top is crossed with gold bullion cord that extends down the angles. The peak is stitched with gold bullion lines. The heavy bullion plume boss has a "VR" cypher and supports a red stitched swan's feather plume without a ring. Lion's head ear bosses suspend a velvet backed gilded chin chain. The gilt and silver helmet plate is topped by the Victorian crown and crest of the Prince of Wales. The center features the Royal Arms of Great Britain above a silver sphinx and the battle honor "EGYPT". Beneath, in gilt are the battle honors "SOUTH AFRICA 1851,2,3", "CENTRAL INDIA", "PENINSULA", WATERLOO" and "SEVASTOPOL". The inside is lined with crimson silk with a "HAWKES & Co." makers mark. The helmet is accompanied by an additional 12th Lancers post-1837 pattern Officer's cap plate and is complete with gold bullion cap lines.

Excellent, the exterior shows only minor wear. The plate has a bright appearance with a dark aged patina on the silver. The interior has some stains. The cap lines are very good with a small area of fraying towards the bottom. The additional plate has a bright appearance with a few light dings and a dark aged patina on the silver.