United Kingdom. A Royal Field Artillery Home Service Helmet & Carry Case to A. Wighton

A fine example of an 1878 pattern blue cloth home service pattern helmet and carry case belonging to A. Wighton of the Royal Field Artillery Home Service.

The helmet is constructed of a standard cork core with “blue” cloth covering the exterior of the body. The front is decorated with a King’s Crown Royal Artillery helmet plate constructed of gilded brass, in a convex shape to accommodate the outline of the helmet. The outer edge of the front of the helmet is decorated with a strip of gilded brass trim, with two rose side bosses with hooks on either side of the helmet, securing a chin strap made up of multiple interlooped rings forming a band with a felted underside for comfort during wear. The top of the helmet is ordained with a screw-on ball fitting with four petals at the base, all bearing a rose each. The reverse of the helmet features an additional hook with a straight line of gilded brass trim running down along the center of the helmet. The interior is lined with emerald green faux leather (leatherette), with an off-white leatherette sweat band, red trim, and an air vent hole at the top of the helmet that is secured to the top via four threaded nuts. It is marked “T. Mc. Bride & Son, 17 Charles Street, London, S. W.”. It measures  approximately 163 mm (w) x 270 mm (l) x 225 mm (h), the helmet plate is secured to the helmet via three looped studs visible on the reverse, but missing the cotter pins and therefore slightly loose, in overall better than extremely fine condition. 

The accompanying carry case, consisting of a base and a lid, is constructed of magnetic metal. It is painted in a camouflage scheme consisting of a black base colour with rusty-red blotches painted onto the outer surface throughout. The top of the carry case features an oblong carry handle and features a small gilded shield with the maker mark “W. Anderson & Sons, Military Outfitters, Edinburgh and Glasgow”. It is labeled with the name “A. Wighton - R.F.A.(T)” in off-white lettering. The lid is attached to the base via a functional metal hinge on the reverse, with the option to lock the front via a loop and interlocking latch system. It measures 303 mm (w) x 208 mm (l) x 345 mm (l). The case is in near extremely fine condition.