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MODEL 1889 US ARMY SUMMER HELMET – EXCELLENT
SPECIMEN: One of the classic pieces of Indian
War headgear, this Model 1889 US Army Summer Helmet has
survived in remarkable condition. Probably best known
for their issue to the soldiers in the Southwest during
the Apache Wars, in fact these helmets eventually saw
wide distribution throughout the army’s installations as
a standard issue relieving the soldiers of their heavy
and hot woolen headwear.
The body of this helmet still retains its full shape
with no damage or crushing to the crown or the brim, and
the top vent is present. The outer cotton khaki
covering is intact with no wear spots or tears, all of
the seams are intact and the material is overall clean
with minimal signs of age and storage – some scuffed
points where these helmets were stacked one upon the
other.
The inner lining of crown is in
like new condition and the green lining on the underside
of the brim is in overall excellent condition with a few
points of wear that are hardly noticeable. The leather
sweat band is likewise in excellent condition and all of
the cork mounting discs are present, as are the two
brass chin strap hooks. The inside of the sweat band
still retains the ink stamped maker and contract
information indicating this helmet was produced by the
Horstmann Company under the contract of March, 1889.
The stamping is still legible, but is faint like so many
of these ink stamps. The small round size “7” label is
present at the back of the sweat band.
This is an excellent example of one of the more unusual
pieces of US Army headwear from the Indian War and
Spanish American War periods, and one that would be very
difficult to upgrade. (0116) $450
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