Original Item: Only One Available.  This is a rather “fresh” discovery, having just been found in the attic of a two hundred year old farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania just a few weeks ago! Items like this surfacing from “Out of the Woodwork” are incredibly rare today! Our buyer happened to just be at the right place, at the right time!  This is a wonderful example of a Circa 1830s U.S. Militia Dragoon Helmet, which approximates many of the numerous styles often referred to as “Model 1835”. Helmets like this were commonplace with American mounted troopers into the 1850s.  We estimate this particular helmet was likely made in the mid-1830s-early 1840s.

The  overall condition is excellent considering the age of the helmet. The helmet is constructed of thick boiled leather with an enamel finish. The helmet is fitted with a yellow (now faded) decorative yellow silk band, adorned with five brass ball buttons, each connected to one another with a “zig zag” pattern gold bullion rope. The front visor is reinforced with brass edging which is still held firmly in place. The left side of the helmet features a “starburst” pattern cockade, with a brass federal eagle affixed to the center. We believe that there was likely a bearskin ruff, or possibly a thin brass reinforcement comb which ran from the front of the helmet to the back. However, we can only speculate.

The lining features a sweatband made of thin textured red “moroccan” leather, with white polished cotton lining. The crown of the interior helmet features a circular white polished cotton piece which serves as the label. Stamped into the lining is a etching of two mounted troopers, and the manufacturer’s information:

WILLIAM H. MILLER
Saddler, Harness & Military Equipment Maker
415 BROADWAY
NEW YORK

Above this the label reads:

“Gold Embroider’d Belts Made To Any Pattern”

Overall shape is mostly intact, however, we would recommend displaying the helmet with a form, as one side of the helmet has warped in from being stored in a trunk with other items for eons. The helmet has the typical crazing and expected period commensurate wear to the tarred black finish over pressed leather. The height is approximately 8 1/2".

A lovely example ready for display.