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.
Tag Archives: National Guard
An American Helmet Variation
Understanding the sun helmets of the U.S. Army and even the United States Marine Corps that were used during the 19th century is rather simple as it comes down to the Model 1880, Model 1887 and Model 1989 helmets. These were the three main helmets used by regular Army – while the USMC did apparently use the Model 87/89 to some extent.
Where the issue is harder to understand is when it comes to the militias and National Guard units. While it is known that several patterns existed for these as well, most seem to be fairly uniform and follow the same basic parameters of the Army style helmets. These were four seams, with a front/back and side seams. Now another helmet was found that turns all this on its axis! Continue reading
Summer Dress Helmet of the New York State National Guard, 23rd Infantry Regiment
New York fielded a number or National Guard and militia units at the tail end of the 19th century, and many of these units fought with distinction in the American Civil War and then with the regular army during the First and Second World Wars.
One such unit was the New York State National Guard, 23rd Infantry Regiment, which was active from 1863 to 1957. It began as the 23rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment before becoming the 106th Infantry Regiment in World War I. As with other National Guard State of New York units, the 23rd Infantry Regiment would have been outfitted in the same basic uniforms and equipment of the regular army. Many of these items were made in New York and New England during the 19th century. Headgear including helmets was a slightly different story. Continue reading
The American M1880 Helmet
While much has been written about the M1887/89 pattern American sun helmet – including by this author – there is the far less encountered M1880 helmet. This designation actually appears to have been used interchangeably over the years to describe the helmet pattern above, as well as the used by various National Guard units. Continue reading
White Cadet Dress Helmet
The George Patton Museum at Fort Knox has been undergoing a renovation for some months, and during this time the museum offered minimal displays. Among these included various uniforms from ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Cadet) programs from the past 150 years.
This included a cadet uniform from Cornell University from 1892. What makes this particular display interesting is that it features a white helmet that is stated to be an “Army adopted… dress helmet pattern,” and noted, “Except for the white color, this helmet mirrors the infantry helmet used for the regular Army during this time.” Continue reading