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Title Eton College Home Service helmet, 1871 pattern
Nationality British
Period c 1880
Sold

Eton College Rifle Volunteers helmet, worn by Arthur Henry Bromley-Davenport while at Eton, 1881-1885 (his name is inked in on the lining). This comparatively rare helmet in other ranks format (I've never seen an officer's version) was worn by the College Cadet Corps from about 1880 to the Great War (ie 1914).

Davenport was a quite well-known actor/theatre manager in the Edwardian period. There is an extensive half-page biography of him in 'The Old Public School-boys Who's Who - Eton', first published in 1933. Minor moth-tracking to surface cloth, otherwise in generally excellent order throughout except for fading to the original colours (cornflower blue bands on a light purple backcloth).

The 2nd Buckinghamshire Volunteer Rifle Corps became Eton College Officers Training Corps in the 1920s. The original unit, the Eton College Volunteer Rifle Corps, was raised in 1872.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Headdress : British : 19th Century]

testimonials

The day the blunderbuss arrives I could not stop looking and feeling the gun for at least one hour. My wife told me that I was sick........ I am very happy, it is a piece of craftsmanship! Well made! I have 5 blunderbusses but all iron barrel, also from England but this one is gorgeous with the Brass Barrel.

Please keep me informed when you have any other type of blunderbuss. Thanks my friend!

M R, USA, 04.08.2011

The bayonet arrived safely this morning, it's excellent and exactly what I've been looking for, I'm very pleased with it! ... I've bookmarked your site and will keep a regular check to see what you have.

S A, UK, 05.01.2006

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