These helmets were worn by constables and officers in the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) from the 1880s onwards. The details and ornament of the RIC uniform reflected the rank of the wearer. The officer's uniform was made to measure by a military tailor, whereas the rank and file men were given cloth "makings" which were made up into uniforms by local tailors. The officer’s helmet had a military profile with an angular peak and bright metal ornamentation whereas the constable’s helmet had a rounder shape with a curved peak and was embellished with dull metalwork. The officer’s frock coat had metal buttons whereas the men’s coat fastenings were made of black horn.

The RIC were always considered on duty and wore their uniform at all times. The Code of Regulations detailed the correct combination of uniform and equipment for every duty and activity. According to the regulations, this constable’s helmet was part of his full dress uniform and was worn on detachment duty, when disturbances or stone throwing was expected, on night duty in cities and large towns, for marching and at the discretion of the local officer. The officer’s helmet was part of his full dress uniform and was worn at public balls, court, dinners, divine service, funerals, in drawing rooms, for guards of honour, on leave, for mounted escort, public assemblies and races. For balls at Dublin Castle, officers were instructed to “retain their headdress and swords until they are about to dance, when helmet, sword, and sword belt are laid aside.”