Chapka worn by Major William Moray Stirling, 19th Lancers, 1817-1820

The chapka, or lance cap, was an item of headdress originally worn by Polish lancer regiments. It was adopted by the British Army when lancer regiments were created in 1816.

Originally raised in 1781 for service in India, the 23rd Regiment of Light Dragoons were renumbered '19' in 1786.

The 19th Light Dragoons was recognised for distinguished conduct at the Siege of Seringapatam during the 4th Mysore War (1799) and at the Battle of Assaye in 1803 during the 2nd Maratha War (1803-1805), receiving the elephant badge shown on the front of this lance cap. The regiment's last years in India were spent on garrison duties. It then sailed to Canada to fight in the War of 1812 (1812-1815),receiving the battle honour 'Niagara', also shown on the cap badge.

The regiment was converted to lancers in 1816 but disbanded in 1821 as the size of the British Army was reduced. Because of the length of their service in India, the regiment was known as the 'Terror of the East'.

A successor regiment, the 19th Hussars, were created in 1862 and permitted to use the battle honours of the 19th Lancers.