Tarleton pattern helmet, Wiltshire Yeomanry Cavalry, 1800 (c)

Black leather helmet with brass mountings and white plumes.

This pattern of helmet was named after Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Banastre Tarleton who commanded the British Legion during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). The Tarleton was regarded as 'the handsomest' of helmets and was reportedly admired by foreign forces at the time.