Pith Helmet from the Days of Lawrence of Arabia

This vintage Aden-style (or Cawnpore) pith helmet dates back to WW I and was widely used in North Africa and the Indian sub-continent. Although the leather chin-strap has become brittle, the helmet is in very good condition inside and out. These style helmets were made in Bombay through about 1932 and are named after the shola pith that was used for insulation. The Shola is a light, woody marsh plant which has a pithy core that can be molded in various forms.

The picture is of Lowell Thomas (journalist) in 1918 when he was writing of the exploits of Capt. T.E. Lawrence a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia while fighting the Turks in Palestine.

While sitting back sipping a single-malt, historical items like this helmet can transport you to a different time and place. Lawerence of Arabia is one of my favorite films and I grew up with Cinerama and Lowell Thomas's travelouges.