In very good condition with both fixings to rear still intact. Some tarnishing and wear as expected with age. Striking appearance.

The Chapka, or lance cap, was an item of headdress originally worn by Polish lancer regiments. British forces encountered Polish lancers in French service during the Napoleonic Wars. The British Army's lancer regiments, formed after the Waterloo campaign, subsequently adopted the Chapka.

The 17th Lancers, 'The Death or Glory Boys', took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaklava in 1854. As well as the battle honour 'Balaclava', the Regiment's other honours from the Crimean War included: Sevastopol, Inkerman and Alma. The Regiment also served Central India the Zulu and Boer Wars in the very late 1800s and early 1900s.