Item Description
Original Item: One Only Available. 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.
This helmet dates to around the turn of the century and can be identified as such by the 1902 dated Inspector stamp. 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 makers label inside around the spike fixture:
RIDABOCK & CO.
FORMERLY
BAKER & McKENNEY
NEW YORK
There’s also a small tag reading 68, likely the size. The Helmet plate displays the New York Guard Seal helmet plate; an Eagle perched atop a shield, wings spread, the number 65 in front and a flag below marked Excelsior. The plate is in excellent condition. This combined with the Crossed rifle cockades to each side indicates issue to the 65th Regiment, National Guard of New York.
The helmet retains the scarce chinscales on their original leather strap. It properly wraps around to the back. The overall condition of the helmet is fantastic given its age. There is service wear with some wear to the leather brim, as well as some damage to the sweatband, but overall it’s great.
Very nice, great condition for age, ready to display.
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