victorian pith helmet

[blueman]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-10499-0-29512300-1365088957.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-10499-0-70417100-1365088965.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-10499-0-16219200-1365088974.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-10499-0-40211300-1365088989.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-10499-0-30867900-1365089001.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-10499-0-76176000-1365088947.jpg

zulu war era ??

[Harry the Mole]

I am by no means an expert on these matters. My comfort zone is WW1 weaponry, but in my opinion the shape of your helmet is more like the type used post Zulu wars. I think I said in your previous posting that it could be earlier than what you thought. But now I have seen a better side view I would be more inclined to go with Boer war. If you go on to this website www.buywyze.com you will see a Zulu wars helmet which has been sold. Just type in foreign service helmet when you get on the website.

I have posted a few pictures of my example. It is claimed to be of the Boer War period. But to be honest I don't even know if it is genuine - although it does show signs of considerable age. The chin strap is not original to the helmet though!

Steve.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-15217-0-35216000-1365187368.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-15217-0-42837300-1365187401.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-15217-0-21826200-1365187418.jpg

[DJT]

Blueman, check the information I posted in your earlier thread on this helmet?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

I may be totally off, but is it possible that it was used in Hong Kong or Singapore?

I dont know my Chinn from my elbow... but it may be a pointer....

[peter monahan]

Italian, Second War, used in Ethiopia? The bugle horn looks distinctly un-British to me. Also the brown edging - I don't think that's British either.

Peter

Edited April 7, 2013 by peter monahan

[Harry the Mole]

My helmet is definately British! And it definately isn't military issue! The badge on the front is 'similar' to a Light Infantry badge. The label inside reads... 'WATERPROOF TROPICAL HELMET,MADE IN ENGLAND.' I saw one a while ago being offered by an Australian dealer. It had been fitted out with the fittings off a British officers home service helmet and was badged to the Cheshires. I'm quite certain it was a made-up helmet. The shape of the helmet is of a style used by the british prior to WW1. The chinstrap is just a spare I had lying around. As I said before, I don't know when the helmet was made, but I don't believe it to be a modern copy. here are a few more pictures of it.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-15217-0-95162400-1365414419.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-15217-0-71326100-1365414467.jpg

For comparison, here is a helmet which is of the WW1 pattern - and later. This is also a private purchase helmet retailed by Stumbles & Son of Devonport. It belonged to Shipwright Commander W P Watts who served on The light Cruiser HMS Leander in the 1930's. It was purchased for him by his wife - Mrs Vera Amelia Watts on the 1st October 1930, and cost four pound 10 shillings. I obtained it last year. It is in its original japanned tin - along with the original remittance receipt.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-15217-0-35821500-1365415207.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-15217-0-57482400-1365415231.jpg