Recently this reporter came across the most unique of American military sun helmets from the 19th century, but that is actually only half the story. In addition to the first helmet, a second one was found at the Baltimore Antique Arms Show. It is a rather simple New York National Guard type helmet, but what makes this one of note is that while most of those are typically found heavily whitened this one has never been whitened and is in its native/naked khaki.
That would suggest this helmet may not have been used in parade or was perhaps never issued. While there is some notable mothing to the interior this could have occurred during storage. The helmet shows only minimal wear as well, so perhaps it was a helmet that saw limited if any use.
A side view shows the side vents that are commonly seen in 1880s era Riddabock helmets.
The other side shows that the helmet has some wear but much of this could be from storage.
What makes it more interesting is that the label inside noted “W.D. Cowan, Manufacturer, Newark, NJ.” To date this is the only helmet ever encountered by this reporter to that manufacturer. The shape of the helmet is actually similar to the Riddabock & Company – formerly Baker & McKenney. A side by side comparison shows that the helmets are of the same style/model.
The interior shows that moths have feasted on this helmet’s fabric, but the headband shows only a little wear. The chinstrap appears to have been present for quite some time and no attempt has been made to remove it.
The label to a previously unknown military supplier/contractor. When did “W.D. Cowan” of Newark operate? Did this company produce the helmets for Riddabock?
A side by side of the Cown helmet (left) and a heavily whitened Riddabock example. These are the same pattern!
Could Cowan have been a subcontractor/supplier for Riddabock, or were these helmets made by Riddabock and supplied to Cown for resale? This is just another fascinating part of the largely undocumented story of the American summer sun helmet.
I have an original 1872 Indian Wars U.S. Kepi made by W.D. Cowan Newark,New Jersey. So they produced military headgear in the 1870’s.They may go back as far as the U.S. civil war but i’m not sure.