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MODEL 1889 US ARMY SUMMER HELMET – VERY NICE
SPECIMEN: One of the classic pieces of Indian
War headgear, this Model 1889 US Army Summer Helmet has
survived in very good 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
during the summer months as a standard issue in order to
give the soldiers some relief from 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 wearing,
age and storage. The front of the helmet is stenciled
in ink “53”, likely a unit applied inventory number as
these helmets were issued as company controlled
equipment rather than as a personal uniform issue item.
The inner lining of crown is in very good condition with
no wear or tears. The green lining on the underside of
the brim is complete, with only some minor thread
surface wear from wearing and handling. The leather
sweat band is likewise in very good condition with only
light evidence of wear and sweat staining. 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 legible ink stamped maker and contract
information indicating this helmet was produced by the
Horstmann Company under the contract of March, 1889.
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. (0902) $350
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