41st Foot 1878 Pattern Officer's Helmet Plate

[41st]

Are any members able to post some photos of a genuine example of the above please as I have only seen the modern copies. K&K states that the backing to the central device was red velvet, which, whilst I need to check the regimental records on, seems unusual since the backing on all other plates was black leather or velvet, depending on the period. All the modern copies I have seen do come with a red backing. What is also unusual is that whilst K&K does refer to a photo of the badge, complete with reference number, it is actually missing from my copy.
Thanks in advance.

[Neil s]

In my copy of Kipling and King the picture is on page 111 the page before the description
Neil

[41st]

Thanks Neil, didn’t think of looking back as the sequential numbers were opposite. The central device is different to the modern copies.

Having checked my references I also now note that there is no reference to the badge backing being red in the official regimental histories and the only colour photographic example I can find definitely shows a black velvet backing.

I rather suspect that the reference to a red backing may be a K&K error looking at a modern copy which has been perpetuated by others in various forums. Hwyl,
Kevin

[41st]

Finally managed to pick one up. Rather aged, bent and manky to start with but it has cleaned up nicely. That only leaves me with the Belgic & Regency plates to pick up to complete my full time line. Should be easy enough.

[fairlie63]

Very nice with a clean up!
Keith

[Alex Rice]

Nice transformation.

[41st]

To be fair I had a fighting chance of getting it back to a decent finish as the fire gilt was still there under all the crud. In my experience fire gilt does tend to last much better than later gilding methods.

[mm1]

Nice work - was that the one from ebay ?

Mark

[41st]

Yes Mark.
Kevin