The helmet introduced in October 1834 was all gilt for officers or brass for the men. This specimen has the regimental title around the front, just above the peak: 1st OR THE KING’S DRAGOON GUARDS. The rayed plate had the Royal Arms and a scroll beneath inscribed WATERLOO. The skull was foliated, as were the sides of the crest. and the chin-scales attached to a rose on each side. This example has the imposing lion attached to the front but this could be removed and the black fur crest slotted in place for formal parades. The right-hand photo below shows the back of the helmet, with a small buckle at the base of the crest and another hook halfway up to secure the black fur crest.
This helmet was introduced during the reign of William IV so would have had the Hanoverian inescutcheon in the centre of the Royal Arms when it was first produced. But this pattern of helmet was in use up until 1843, six years into Queen Victoria’s reign. Her Royal Arms were not Hanoverian and can be seen on the photo below. So in fact the helmet we see here is post-1837, the date of Victoria’s accession
