Original 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.

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 is beautifully made from cork covered with brown fabric, with a makers stamp inside:

RIDABOCK & CO
FORMERLY
Baker & McKENNEY
141 GRAND ST. N.Y.

There are a few other markings one of which is H. Taggart. This is definitely a helmet with a great history, and some wonderful research potential!

The Helmet plate displays the Great Seal of the United States, with the American Eagle with a banner in its beak stating: E PLURIBUS UNUM.

The "crossed rifles" behind the shield indicate that it is for an infantry unit, and the letters KG in the center of the "shield" is for Kentish Guards. 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 brass ring chin scales are not present, and the interior liner is somewhat worn, with a few small tears and stains. However it still retains the infantry "crossed rifles" chin scale hangers on the sides, as well as the "Shield" hanger on the rear.

Very nice, great condition for age with loads of patina, ready to display!

The Kentish Guards were formed in the Colony of Rhode Island in 1774, right on the cusp of the Revolutionary War. The original task of the Kentish Guards was to protect the town of East Greenwich, and the Colony of Rhode Island chartered them on October 29, 1774.

The Kentish Guards distinguished themselves several times in the American Revolutionary War, including the 1775 Siege of Boston. One of the original officers of the Kentish Guards was Nathanael Greene, who would later become one of the most famous military leaders of the Revolutionary War.

The Kentish Guards have also been militarily active after the end of the Revolutionary War. They served guard duty at the old Fort Adams in Newport during the War of 1812, and quelled a riot in Pawtucket during the Dorr Rebellion in 1842. During the American Civil War, the Kentish Guards enlisted as Company “H” of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers and saw extensive service in the Peninsular Campaign in Virginia. With the Amery of the Potomac, the Guards fought in 14 of the major battles of the Civil War, including the First Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of the Wilderness. The Kentish Guards also recruited and supplied the officers for Company “H” 7th Rhode Island Volunteers, which saw service with the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Ohio.