Victorian Helmet Plate
 

Can anyone identify this Regiment ? I assume its a Cloth Helmet plate circa 1878 > 1881 ? I'd also be interested in likely value as I'm making enquiries for a friend who purchased it in a Bonhams lot and is keen to move it on. Tim

Interesting. Similar - looking at the wreath, but obviously different to this senior ranks (superintendent) Police helmet plate.
Could it be police?

https://www.scottishpolicemedals.co....g?t=1527761120

https://www.scottishpolicemedals.co....g?t=1527761120

Its going to be a Militia Bn, and I am guessing its white metal and the flash has made it look yellow.

Is that assumption correct?

regards

In fact looking at the Bonhams auction description is clearly identifies it as
"2nd Royal Surrey Militia, an officer's plated helmet plate 1878-1881, crowned star back plate with Garter and laurel overlays in the centre the Royal Crest on a ground of black enamel. "

So I dont understand why hes asking?

regards

I was going to say the design is similar to the generic Militia battalion badge.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ctureid=143288

And link to Bonham’s…

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26019/lot/215/

I think this has been hanging around a while, I showed some interest but gave it a miss in the end, too expensive

Apologies for the poor first photo it is indeed white metal .

Hi Keith apologies, I hadn’t joined the dots and realised it was from the same lot - I think he’s looking for £300. I have no idea of relative values of Militia Plates . I’ve not seen this particular one before in Bosleys - is he way out?

It’s hard to say, it’s a lot more than I offered. It will only appeal to a very limited number of collectors, those who collect Militia and those who collect Surrey, myself one of the latter. It’s biggest problem is it’s a ‘boring’ design, almost generic as others have pointed out.

I honestly feel even Bosleys would struggle to sell it for that amount and then there’s still their commision to take out.

Whilst not a buyer of helmet plates I do have a growing interest and regularly discuss them with a well known dealer who does sell them.

I think £300 is probably approaching a dealer list price for such an item in its tired looking condition with a congealed / perished centre.

As Keith says whilst a rare item the demand can be really very limited. How many Surrey or Militia collectors of officers helmet plates c.1881 are there and how many seek one of these?

I’d also agree that it being a very generic design won’t help its appeal.

Even if your pal sold it at Bosley’s and it made £350 he’d walk away with less than he’s asking and I’m not sure he would make that.

A nice plate and I guess it is silver plated being for officer's ?

Kipling and King show the other ranks plate for the 2nd Surrey Militia (# 1170).