Exceptionally Rare Sudan/Boer War 1877 Ptn White Foreign Service Helmet

An incredibly rare, late Victorian British officer's white 1877 pattern foreign service helmet with light green coloured (light infantry) pagri top fold.
Officer's 1877 pattern FS helmets are rarely encountered but a colour banded example is a true rarity and only seen in period paintings and prints by famous military artists such as Richard Simkin and P.W.Reynolds.
With six panels and a cotton covered zinc button to the crown, high brass hook for attaching chinstrap (strap absent), a nicely padded nine fold cotton/silk pagri now with age related dirt marks/discolouration & foxing, evidence of badge having been worn to the front.
The interior retains its original leather sweatband and crimson silk edging, maker stamp of Hawkes & Co. with earlier pre-1911/12 Piccadily address, the officer's name of 'Carter' is handwritten in pencil but quite faint, there is also some other wording present and I believe one part may read as '2nd bat' but difficult to make out , some wear to material on underside of brim & tail.
The body is in wonderful solid condition, no weakness to neck guard or front peak, two minor indentations near crown but remain firm, no softness, the front peak is more similar to the early produced helmets with a more rounded appearance and not pointed as in later types.
Helmet has received a secondry coat of white wash during its working life and now slightly worn & dis-coloured, couple of minor brush strokes gone onto green band but could easily be removed.
Please study the images + all additional images as they form the best condition report.
Sorry UK sale only, dispatched via special delivery.
Payment via Bank transfer preferred, thank you.
On hold for JF.

Code: 50948