{"product_id":"original-u-s-22nd-new-york-state-national-guard-model-1881-infantry-dress-spiked-pith-helmet-by-ridabock-co-dated-1900","title":"Original U.S. 22nd New York State National Guard Model 1881 Infantry Dress Spiked Pith Helmet by Ridabock \u0026 Co. - Dated 1900","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One Only. Much like our European cousins in the 1880s, the U.S. Army started to adopt 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. While often referred to as \"pith helmets\" in the broad sense, it was made from cork, like many European variants, such as the Wolseley pattern used by the British.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 is beautifully made from cork covered with brown fabric, with a complete makers label inside:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRIDABOCK \u0026amp; CO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBAKER \u0026amp; McKENNEY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e141 GRAND ST. NEW YORK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis company started off as J.H. McKENNEY \u0026amp; CO. then later became Baker \u0026amp; McKenney, and then Ridabock Co., so this is definitely a later example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Helmet plate displays the Great Seal of the United States, with the American Eagle with a banner in its beak stating: \u003cstrong\u003eE PLURIBUS UNUM\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the center of the eagle is a maltese cross with \u003cstrong\u003eDEFENDAM N.G.S.N.Y\u003c\/strong\u003e with the regimental number \u003cstrong\u003e22 \u003c\/strong\u003ecut out in the center. From the looks of the front plate, it is the original plate to the helmet and was not switched like ones we have seen in the past. The crossed rifle infantry side buttons are still present. There is an inspection stamp reading\u003cstrong\u003e INSPECTED 1900 N.G.N.Y.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery nice, great condition for age with loads of patina, ready to display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41999599697989,"sku":"ONJR23NSTG086","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23NSTG086__07.jpg?v=1726796071","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-22nd-new-york-state-national-guard-model-1881-infantry-dress-spiked-pith-helmet-by-ridabock-co-dated-1900","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}