Rare Hampshire Artillery Militia Officers Helmet 1854-56, fine example of the very short lived leather officers dress helmet with large two piece helmet plate to the centre. The plate being Victorian crowned shield with gilt metal flaming grenade with silvered VR cipher to the centre and crossed cannons below, laurel spray with scroll ‘HAMPSHIRE’. Complete with rosette side bosses with velvet backed linked chin chains. White metal rear spine, cruciform spike base with plume socket having the Hampshire rose to the centre. Complete with white horse hair plume with plain domed fitting to the top. Complete with officers quilted lining to the interior. ‘Andrews Helmet Maker’ paper label to the interior of the shell. A very good example of a extremely rare item of regimental headdress. Late Rod Flood collection