Inspector of Army Schools

This is an Edwardian home service helmet with tin to Inspector of Army Schools Captain James Cunningham. Cunningham served as an Army Schoolmaster for 22 years, serving throughout the British Empire, notably in India, Malta, and Ireland. He was promoted from an army schoolmaster to an Inspector on July 30, 1902 and held a position at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School and then returned to Ireland to serve with the Irish Command at Cork in 1912. I have not been able to find a picture of him yet, but will keep trying. 

The Inspectors together oversaw the Corps of Army Schoolmasters as a whole and helped provide a stable education to the Army from 1845-1920. There were only around 20 Inspectors at a given time with ranks ranging from lieutenants to major. Due to the scarcity of items relating to the Inspectors, it has been very difficult for me to find anything with which to compare. I have only found one picture which depicts an Inspector in his uniform. It is from a 1901 Army and Navy Illustrated newspaper article about the Duke of York’s Royal Military School. The Inspector is in the top right.

The helmet is in mint condition with virtually no damage whatsoever, likely due to the fact that it was very rarely worn by the Inspectors. The helmet tin is labeled to J. Cunningham Esq. and under that the initials I.A.S. for Inspector of Army Schools. It also comes with its original tunic and belt, both of which match their description according to the 1900 dress regulations.