This is a Victorian era officer's lance cap for the Royal Reserve. The skull and peak are black patent leather with a gilt metal band simulating cord around the waist, two bands of gold lace below the band and two bands of gold lace at the bottom edge of the skull. The peak has three bands of gold purl. The mortar board top is composed of red melton cloth with ridged sides and there is gold bullion cord crossing the top and descending the angled corners. The gilt plume boss simulates coiled cord with a button at the center marked "RR" with a Victorian crown. The rayed gilt plate has a silvered Victorian crown at the top over the Royal Arms of Great Britain over "RR" with laurel sprigs. Two lion's head ear bosses suspend a velvet backed chin chain. The front peak is lined with green leather, the sweat band in natural color leather and there is a wine colored silk lining with "CATER & Co." gold embossed label.

Very good, the patent leather shows some crazing and some chin chain wear. The gilt components have bright appearance overall. The silvered components have a dark aged patina. The plume boss has some verdigris around the button. The peak lining has some discoloration. The sweat band and lining have stains. Lacks side lining and plume.