Original Item: One Only. Much like our European cousins in the 1880s, the U.S. Army started to adopted spiked pith helmets, often in white, with all brass mounts and occasionally plumes. These saw active service in the Spanish American War of 1898 especially in the tropical climate in Cuba.
This helmet dates to the 1880s, and it really is quite striking. This is not the type of helmet that was worn in the field, but instead one intended for use with the "dress" uniform for ceremonial occasions. It beautifully made from cork covered with black fabric, with the Maker's name inside under the spike fixture :-
FORMERLY
BAKER & McKENNEY
141 GRAND STREET, NEW YORK.
The Helmet plate displays the Great Seal of the United States, with the American Eagle with a banner in it's beak stating: E PLURIBUS UNUM. Helmet plate is in excellent condition, with the only issue being one of the attachment hooks being missing. The side cockades over the years are of crossed Rifles for an Infantry Officer. Comes complete with its original chained brass link chin strap with leather backing. Chin strap is in good condition, though the glued on second layer of leather on the chin strap is partly detached due to the glue having dried out over a century.
Very nice, great condition for age, ready to display.
