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24th & the Blue cloth pith helmets
lavagna


Joined: 27 Dec 2005
Posts: 19
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Can anyone give me a bit of advice.

I've recently purchased an authenticated 24th of foot last shako plate (all ranks!). I would now like to mount it on a genuine zulu war era helmet. As I'm sure you know the prices of these helmets are very high, and before I make a purchase I would like to find out what is the correct helmet to use. I, obviously know about the white foreign service pith helmet, but apparently these shako plates were only worn on these helmets during parades and were very seldom worn in the field. These white foreign service pith types are obviously my first choice, but have found that they are extremely scarce and pricey, while there are more blue cloth home service helmets available and at more reasonable price.
Here are a few questions I have:

1. Did the 24th of foot ever mount these last shako plates on the home service blue cloth helmets?

2.Would a home service, blue cloth helmet be correct for all ranks or did only officers wear these?

Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated!
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tom


Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 45
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Hi there,
I think the blue cloth was issued in 1878 when the regiment was in South Africa.
Prior to that they wore the shako.
Probably got issued with the blue cloth on return.
No doubt our experts will know.
Tom
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lavagna


Joined: 27 Dec 2005
Posts: 19
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Thanks Tom,
Do you know if they were issued to all ranks, or just just officers?
Regards
Bruce
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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If you look at the photograph of the Colour Party of the 1/24th that went to Osborne House on 28 July 1880 - this published in various AZW books, you will get your answer - shako plates for soldiers and helmet plates for officers.

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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Just for interest, yesterday we received on loan two Home Service Blue helmets - 24th Foot complete with helmet plates. One worn by Lt R Franklin 2/24th (died at Helpmekaar Feb 1879) and the other 25B/2764 Pte J Kennedy 2/24th.

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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Adrian Whiting


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 76
Location: Dorset, England
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Martin,

Could you just clarify which plates are on each please - you mention the helmet plate, is that the case for both of them, and is Lt Franklin's plate the officer's version?

Thanks

Adrian

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Hope this assists,
Adrian
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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Both have the correct helmet plates for the period. Franklin - officer's pattern sphinx and XXIV in the centre; Kennedy - the centre is '24'

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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clive dickens


Joined: 17 Sep 2005
Posts: 162
Location: REDDITCH WORCESTERSHIRE
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Martin
Are these helmets to go on display in your museum?
Clive
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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Clive,

Certainly, I shall also take photos in next few days and post them on the forum to resolve any confusion.

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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Mikey29211


Joined: 26 Aug 2006
Posts: 232
Location: Central Nebraska, USA
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Does anybody have a source for restrikes in this pattern plate?
All of the 24th restrike plates we see on the market are of the old pattern (1868)?i believe and i would like to have the "Star" plate for my helmet.

Thanks

Mike
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Mikey29211


Joined: 26 Aug 2006
Posts: 232
Location: Central Nebraska, USA
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The latest addition to my collection...



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tom


Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 45
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Mikey,
Why the green backing to the badge?
Tom
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Martin Everett


Joined: 01 Sep 2005
Posts: 786
Location: Brecon
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I do not think the plate is correct but I need to check. No green backing though.

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Martin Everett
Brecon, Powys
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Mikey29211


Joined: 26 Aug 2006
Posts: 232
Location: Central Nebraska, USA
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tom wrote:
Mikey,
Why the green backing to the badge?
Tom


It's their facing color. I read or was told that they had their facing colours
presented like i have mine, it may be wrong but I'm happy with it.


Last edited by Mikey29211 on Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:10 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Mikey29211


Joined: 26 Aug 2006
Posts: 232
Location: Central Nebraska, USA
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Martin Everett wrote:
I do not think the plate is correct but I need to check. No green backing though.


I have seen a photo of a 24th soldier with the last shako plate on his home service helmet.
Private, now corporal William Roy 24th DCM who was a patient in the hospital.
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24th & the Blue cloth pith helmets
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