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
In the summer of 2017 a unique item (above) showed up at auction and this reporter was fortunate to obtain it – it appeared to be a press or form for the American pressed fiber sun helmet. Recently a reader explained to me exactly how this item was used, and now it confirms that this was in fact used by Hawley Products Company, the maker of the pressed fiber helmets. 
While steel helmets never completely disappeared from the battlefield – and helmets were worn by cavalry units throughout the 18th and 19th centuries – at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 most British infantrymen wore only the Home Service Helmet as part of a dress uniform and for parade type duties. Forage caps were the standard headdress for soldiers in the field, but by 1916 it was apparent that soft caps as well as sun helmets that were worn in tropical regions weren’t enough to protect against head wounds from artillery barrages or other low velocity impacts. 
Since launching this website in early 2012 we’ve encountered numerous helmets that haven’t been largely documented, if documented at all. We’ve come across a number of helmets that can only be described as variations of the classic British Wolseley style helmet. These have included helmets made of sola pith, but recently a far more unusual example was offered for sale on eBay. It is a Canadian-made helmet that appears to be based on the naval helmet that was based on the Wolseley. 
