This is a Victorian era officer's cap of the 21st Lancers. The skull and peak are black patent leather with gold lace around the waist and along the lower edge. The peak has gold purl in three bands with the inside lined with dark green leather. The rayed gilt plate has the Royal Arms of Great Britain in the center with the Victorian crown above it. At the bottom is a silvered banner marked "21st LANCERS" with floral sprays on each side. The mortar board top is blue melton cloth with gold bullion cord crossing the top and descending down the angled corners. The gold bullion plume boss has a "VRI" cypher and a faded purple feather plume with a ring. Lion's head ear bosses suspend a black velvet backed gilt chin chain. The interior has a tan leather sweat band and wine colored silk lining with a "CATER & Co." label. Two additional lance cap plates are included. The first is an Empress of India's Lancers officer's plate with the King's crown, "VRI" cypher in the center and "KHARTOUM" battle honor. The second is a "21st (EMPRESS OF INDIA'S) LANCERS" officer's plate with the Victorian crown, Royal Arms of Great Britain, "KHARTOUM" battle honor and "VRI" cypher at the bottom.

Very fine. The patent leather shows some minor wear. The gold lace and bullion are slightly tarnished. The plate has a bright appearance with some wear on the high edges and some verdigris in the protected areas. The silver components have tarnished. The silk lining is stained. The sweat band has minor wear, and the peak lining has some wear. The faded plume is good. The first plate has a bright appearance with some dark patina in the protected areas. The silver has a dark aged patina. The second plate has a slightly dulled appearance with patina on the high edges, and the top ray is missing the point. The silver has a dark aged patina.