The heavy cavalry adopted this helmet to replace the bicorne hat in 1812. Officers had a better quality version with gilt fittings instead of brass. It was made of stiff leather and had a leather peak bound with gilt or brass. The brass plate on the front was universal for all the heavies, having a reversed GR cypher within a double foliated border. The name of the regiment was inscribed on a small plaque just above the peak. This specimen has ‘1st OR’ on the top line, then ‘KINGS DRAGOON’ and ‘GUARDS’ below.
The lower part of the skull is surrounded by 5 rows of gilt scales, similar scales forming the chinstraps, which attached to the helmet by gilt rosettes. A gilt metal crest with a Medusa’a head in front and 18 flutings on each side. Attached to the top of the crest, a mane of black horsehair, approximately 33 inches long, caught together at the front and passed through a wooden boss bound with gilt wire.
