This is a Victorian era Third Pattern Officer's lance cap of the 17th Lancers. The skull and peaks are black patent leather with a wide gold lace band with a red stripe around the waist, gold lace around the lower edge of the skull and in three strips on the peaks. The mortar board top is white melton cloth with ridged sides. Gold bullion cord crosses the top and descends the angled corners. There is a large gold bullion plume boss with a "VR" cypher, a black feather plume with a ring emerges out of the top above the boss. The gilt rayed plate has a Victorian crown at the top in silver over the Royal Arms of Great Britain with the regimental motto with oak-leaf and laurel on either side of the skull badge of the 17th Lancers all in silver. Two lion's head ear bosses suspend a velvet backed chin chain. There is a natural leather sweat band, the front peak is lined with green skived leather, a purple silk lining and a "CATER & Co." paper label. Complete with a gold bullion cap line.

Very good, the patent leather shows crazing and light wear. The gold lace remains bright. The melton cloth top has been recolored. The gilt components retain a generally bright appearance with some dulling on the ear bosses. The silver components have a dark aged patina. The sweat band is stained with the lining having a small rip and is soiled. The paper label is very good. The cap line is very good.