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RARE AND DESIRABLE BRITISH 16TH LANCERS UNIFORM

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
RARE AND DESIRABLE BRITISH 16TH LANCERS UNIFORM

AND EQUIPMENT. The 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales own) formed in 1715 served for many years and in many wars until it was amalgamated with the 9th Lancers to form 9th/12th Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales own in 1960. The grouping consists of a tunic w/ accessories, one pair of wool trousers, the leather helmet, a bamboo lance, 1 pair of leather boots. 1 pair of open nickel stirrups. The 1856 pattern Czapka Helmet has a square flat top referred to as a mortarboard. It is made with black lacquered leather body and visor with black ribbed top, faded yellow trim cord and a faded yellow and red band at the waist. The chin strap is composed of interlocking rings. The helmet has a horse hair plume w/ a red and white cockade and a brass plate w/ the British Royal Coat of Arms & the names of principle battles fought by the regiment, the latest of which is South Africa dated 1900-02, which helps date this helmet as very early 20th Century. The scarlet tunic has a contrasting blue double breasted front and blue cuffs. Yellow cloth belt w/ scarlet stripes. Tunic is adorned w/ yellow cord which serves to retain the helmet. Dark blue trousers w/ yellow stripes and black leather boots. The lance that measures 91" overall. This lance has a pattern 1868 head & shoe. The lance head is triangular in form & measures approx. 11" overall. The metal shoe measures 7 1/4" long & terminates in a pointed configuration. The Bamboo shaft measures approx. 72 1/2" between head & shoe & is made from "male" Bamboo which was the preferred material for lance shafts although it was difficult acquire & subject to insect damage. The lance has a red over white cloth pennon. Open metal stirrup set is marked underneath w/ "B" and "SOLID NICKEL". CONDITION: the uniform is in very good condition w/ bright colors. Buttons have a very light patina. The helmet has a aged appearance w/ light wear & staining. The band at the waist of the helmet has staining, wear & notable spots of insect damage on the left side. The helmet plate & other brass parts have a pleasing patina. Boots have light wear & notable scuffing along the seams & edges. The lance head which is unmarked is turning overall gray & patina. The sheet metal shoe is gray & patina w/ scattered sm. dents & the shoe has an open seam extending nearly halfway around. The lance shaft has moderate wear & staining & several long checks due to age. Stirrups have pleasing aged appearance w/ sm. spots of oxidation. (02-18162/RW). $3,000-4,000.