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MODEL 1887 US ARMY SUMMER HELMET – EXCELLENT SPECIMEN COMPLETE WITH THE VERY RARE WHITE PATENT LEATHER CHIN STRAP:  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 a minimal amount of discoloration due to age and storage.  The inner lining of crown is in like new condition and the green lining on the underside of the brim is in excellent condition with no wear or tears.  The leather sweat band is likewise in excellent condition and all of the cork mounting discs are present, as is the small round size label at the back of the band and 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 highlight of this helmet is that it still retains the full length, original white patent leather chin strap, complete with the brass adjustment buckle.  These white leather chin straps were not particularly robust and they did not survive well in storage, often simply disintegrating to dust in such places as Bannerman’s Island.  In spite of its age and obvious signs of use, the chin strap retains the majority of the white enameled finish to the leather.  There is some crazing to the finish as can be seen in the photographs, however the leather is still strong and the strap displays well.  The method of mounting the strap on the reverse brim and it being threaded through the small loop on the back of the helmet’s band is interesting and provides some insight as to how these helmets were worn by the troops.  The rarity of these white chin straps cannot be overstated and they are simply not found on the loose anymore.  Finding one still mounted on the helmet as in this case is a very nice added value.     

This is a very nice example of one of the more unusual pieces of US Army headwear from the Indian War and Spanish American War periods.   (0901)  $550

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

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