The 1846 Dress Regulations for officers describe this helmet: ‘gilt brass with regimental ornaments and devices in front, and an ornamented crest (three inches and half deep) in which is inserted a mane of black horsehair (two feet ten inches long) flowing loose behind, and terminating in front in a thistle-shaped brush, confined by a gold embroidered boss; gilt brass scales.’
This specimen is a KDG officer’s helmet and is inscribed in the same way as the 1834 helmet, around the front: 1st OR THE KING’S DRAGOON GUARDS. The Royal Arms of Queen Victoria was laid over a gilt rayed plate and the battle honour WATERLOO on a scroll beneath. This front, and the rose ear bosses and chin-scales were the same as on the 1834 helmet. But the foliated decoration on the back of the skull had been discontinued. The gilt crest, however, was very ornate. This photo is courtesy of the Military Gentleman.
