This is a Victorian era officer's cap for the 5th Royal Irish Lancers. The skull and peak are black patent leather with gold lace around the waist and lower edge. There is gold purl on the peak in three bands. The gilt rayed plate has the Victorian crown in silver over the Royal Arms of Great Britain over the Irish harp with clover interspersed between the 5 battle honors. The top is red melton cloth with ridged sides, a gold bullion plume boss with "VR" cypher supporting a black feather plume with a ring, gold bullion cord crosses the top and descends the angled corners. There is a gold bullion loop around the waist of the cap that runs through the cap line ring and is attached to the rear corner of the mortar board. Lion's head ear bosses suspend a velvet backed chin chain. There is a purple silk lining with a "HAWKES & Co." label and a natural color leather sweat band. The peak is lined with black leather. It includes a plume tin painted "CAPTn. H.MADDRICK./5th LANCERS." and 4 gold bullion cap lines.

Very good. The patent leather shows some indentations, crazing and flaking. The mortar board top has some small insect tracking. The purl on the peak has aged with some ripped and deformed. The lining has detached from the sweat band but is very good. The sweat band is stained. The plume tin is very good with several large dents, a number of scratches and 80% finish remaining. The cap lines are good with a tarnished appearance.