Victorian 12th Lancers Attributed Coloniel Service White Helmet

Victorian 12th Lancers Attributed Officer Coloniel Service White Helmet Circa 1871-1884

An extremely rare Zulu War, Afghanistan Campaign period helmet worn by Captain Henry Ashton Case of the 12th Royal Lancers.

Probably one of the earliest examples, to be offered in resent years, the helmet is the classic tall shape tailored by Hawkes & Co of London.
Six panel white cloth body over a cork shell with gilt furniture to accommodate the gilt interlinked chin chain with velvet backing. The interior with leather sweatband, this edged with silk. Clear ink tailors stamp and ink name to the sweatband and lining of  “H.A.CASE XII L”
The helmet remains in good condition with no damage to the cork, the gilt furniture has dulled to a matching toned colour.

Captain Henry Aston Case was born in in 1851 and was commissioned into the 12th Royal Lancers in 1871, being promoted to Lieutenant in 1872 and then to Captain in 1880. He appears to have resigned his commission about 1884. During his time with the Regiment it was garrisoned at Madras and he is noted as holding the post of the Regimental Musketry Instructor. Although the 12th Lancers were not engaged during the Zulu or Afghanistan campaigns this helmet represents the pattern that would have been worn at that time and differs slightly from the later patterns used during the Boer War.