This is an extremely rare Victorian era Officer's lance cap circa 1858. The skull and peak are black patent leather with the waist encircled with heavy gold embroidery and 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 to the waist. The peak is stitched with gold bullion lines. The heavy bullion plume boss bears the "VR" cypher and supports an 18 inch peacock green stitched swan's feather plume without a ring. The inside is lined with red silk with the maker's mark "SANDILANDS & SON" and a leather brow band. Lion's head ear bosses suspend a velvet backed chin chain. The gilt and silver helmet plate is topped with the Victorian crown over the Royal Arms of Great Britain. Below the crest is a silver Irish harp between two sprays of shamrocks. Across the bottom is the regimental banner "FIFTH ROYAL IRISH". The 5th was formed in 1858 and fitted with the 1856 pattern czapka which had a 10 inch mortar board. The regiment was then known as "5th Royal Irish Dragoons". In 1860 the name was changed to "5th Royal Irish Lancers" and the czapka was changed to the 1858 pattern which had a 9 inch mortar board. This helmet is of the old pattern and is extremely rare especially in this condition. With an additional other ranks lance cap plate of the 16th Lancers with honors up to 1848 and a plume tin with extra peacock green plume with a ring.