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American Model 1880 Sun Helmet
Based on the British Foreign Service Helmet, the American Army adopted their own sun, or pith helmet in the early 1880s as part of new efforts to provide a summer uniform. Despite rumors that these helmets were British made. This example was produced by New York based McKennedy and Company, and may have been an early prototype. It features the number 31 on the front, which is likely a New York National Guard Unit.
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American Model 1880 Sun Helmet
This helmet is the New York National Guard variation made by Ridabock & Company, formerly Baker and McKenney. This example features the side ventilation that was popular with state national guard helmets, but also used by the regular U.S. Army.
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American Model 1887 Officer Artillery Pith Helmet
Following the success of the Prussian Army during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) many nations including the United States began to use spike helmets. These were modeled after those used by the victorious Prussian, and united German Armies.
Typically American helmets were dark blue and used as part of a dress uniform rather than on daily active duty. However in the summer many American units from around 1880 to 1905 used European style pith helmets in warmer areas. While these white helmets were never officially issued with brace accoutrements, many officers applied their dress spikes and front plates. This practice was officially banned by 1905 when the American army redesigned their uniforms.
Infantry, cavalry and artillery units in the Indian Wars and then during the Spanish American War used this white type of pith helmet. This particular example features the front plate of the 4th Artillery.
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American Model 1887 Sun Helmet
The widely produced Model 1887 American sun helmet. Despite rumors that these helmets were British made, these helmets were produced in large numbers by Horstmann Brothers and Company of Philadelphia, a well-known dealer and manufacturer of military uniforms.
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American Model 1889 Pith Helmet
This summer cork helmet is made to the post 1889 specifications with khaki cotton over the cork body. This model helmet was used by the US Army in the Spanish American War in Cuba and in the Philippines. These helmets were used as late as 1909, before being taken out of service.
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American Model 1902 Artillery Spiked Helmet
Following the Prussian victory against France in 1871 the United States authorized for wear a uniform that included a dark cloth spiked helmet. This helmet pattern was used throughout the latter part of the 19th century. This pattern was actually modified in the mid-1890s, but the regulations were not officially updated until 1902. Thus this is known as the 1902 pattern.
This particular example is of the 1902 pattern and it features the badge of the second artillery. It is dated 1898 and was likely made by the Horstmann Company.
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