An extremely fine and rare example of the Roman pattern introduced c.
1838. The black japanned metal skull is fitted with a cheetah skin turban and a gilt metal ornamental raised crest, the front panel showing a Medusa's head. Two gilt metal bracing bands and similar title bands 'Horse Artillery'. On the front of the cheetah skin is the distinctive badge of the troop being a large gilt eagle holding in each talon a banner, the banners show small Union flags and a single honour 'Hyderabad' and 'Afghanistan' respectively. The pointed front peak with gilt metal trim, graded gilt metal chin scales with quatrefoil and rose side supports. A black horse hair falling plume, stout leather sweat band bound with red Moroccan, the attached crimson silk lining with stitching faults. The hair crest is a good quality replacement.