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Export ban slapped on 18th-century army officer's cap Export ban slapped on 18th-century army officer's cap
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It may look like a tea cosy embroidered with a rocking horse, but the faded velvet is believed to be a unique survivor, an 18th-century officer's cap once worn by a grenadier of the Enniskillen Regiment, later known as the Inniskillings. The emblem shows the white horse of William of Orange – familiar to this day from many Northern Ireland gable paintings – and the flag of St George flying from Enniskillen castle. An 18th-century officer's cap (left), once worn by a grenadier of the Enniskillen Regiment, has become the subject of a temporary export ban.
It is one of the most unusual objects ever subject to a temporary export ban by the government, but is regarded as of outstanding significance for the study of Anglo-Irish military history. The export delay is to allow a UK museum time to try to match the £44,000 price paid by an anonymous overseas buyer. The government's action is intended to allow a British museum time to try to match the £44,000 price paid by an anonymous overseas buyer for the object. It may look like a tea cosy embroidered with a rocking horse, but it is regarded as of outstanding significance for the study of Anglo-Irish military history.
The grenadiers were the elite soldiers of their age, and the cap – known from its shape as a mitre cap – was to distinguish officers from soldiers. It is in remarkably good condition given that the regiment fought in many bloody campaigns around the date when it was made, including the final defeat of the Jacobite cause in Scotland at Culloden in 1746. Lord Inglewood, chair of the committee that advised on the export delay, said: "Although belonging to an unknown army officer, this cap brings to life an important time in the relationship between the British army and Ireland."
Lord Inglewood, chair of the committee that advised on the proposed export, said: "Although belonging to an unknown army officer, this cap brings to life an important time in the relationship between the British army and Ireland." The cap, known from its shape as a mitre cap, is one of the most unusual objects ever subject to a temporary export ban by the government. The emblem shows the white horse of William of Orange – familiar to this day from many Northern Ireland gable paintings – and the flag of St George flying from Enniskillen castle.
The grenadiers were the elite soldiers of their age, and the cap was used to distinguish officers from soldiers. This specimen is in remarkably good condition given that the regiment fought in many bloody campaigns around the date when it was made, including the final defeat of the Jacobite cause in Scotland at Culloden in 1746.