Rifleman, Duke of Cornwall's Rangers, English Militia, 1858.jpg

This Regiment from south west England was part of Britain’s reserve army, or Militia. These were units of men paid for their intermittent service and preparation to defend the country in the event of invasion. Due to their non-professional nature they were not as bound to the official dress requirements of line regiments. Headdress – Helmet covered with dark green felt with leather reinforcing around the base of the crown and for both front and rear peaks. Bronze metal spike, mount and chin chain. Unit badge, probably also bronze, attached to the front. Jacket - Dark green short item with black lace and piping on the collar and cuffs. Black cord on the shoulders. Closed down the front with brass buttons. Legwear – Plain dark grey trousers worn with ankle boots. Equipment – Black leather waist and cross belts. The latter supporting a large ammunition pouch behind the right hip. To the left of the brass snake clasp is a small pouch holding percussion caps. Behind the left hip the sword bayonet hangs from the waist belt. Weapon – Calibre 0.577in Enfield short rifle and sword bayonet.

Below is an earlier drawing of militia uniforms from the Illustrated London News with several wearing the helmet. There are riflemen in the background wearing the undress Kilmarnock cap.