Posted 13 years ago
tlmbaran
(136 items)
This is the full-dress version of the 1881 cavalry enlisted man's helmet, with Cavalry yellow horsehair plume, and gilt eagle, cross sabers and shield. The helmet was worn by all branches, the plumed versions only by mounted branches, each with a distinctive arm-of-service colored plume. The side buttons are emblazoned with the cavalry cross sabers and the plume holder repeats the eagle motif. Also has the chest cords which were attached to the helment, would drape around the soldier's neck and hang off to the left side of soldiers chest.
The interior is very simple, just a standard hat band. As this helmet is made of cork, and not meant to provide any sort of ballistic protection, there is no suspension of any sort. This model is made by Ridabock & Co, New York
Hard to find the original cords & plume that match. Now a days, the cords are reproduced, and the later 1902 bright Orange plume has been added. Over all a great intact US Cavalry helmet from the mid 1880's that hasn't been messed with.
Great cav helmet!
Scott
Wow, the condition looks great! Those cork helmets seldom hold up this well over the decades
Thanks Scott & Chris!