U.S. Model 1881 Indian War Period Dress Helmet for Signalman

SOLD

U.S. Model 1881 Indian War Period Dress Helmet for Signalman – This complete M1881 U.S. Army dress helmet was worn by an Army signalman. The helmet is complete, retaining the rarely encountered aiguillette, as well as both signal corps side buttons and the correct signal corps, silver crossed flags on the front eagle insignia. The original nearly orange, horsehair plume is in good condition and firmly held in place by the brass, decorative plume holder on top of the helmet. The exterior of the helmet remains in good condition, showing one minor seam opening. The interior of the helmet, exhibits the maker’s label – “Baker & McKenney and Ridabock” in the top interior; the beige, heavy cotton lining is still in place; the leather sweat band has, for the most part, deteriorated from dryness and age, as has much of the inner leather lining of the brims. This is a rare helmet and is in overall good condition.