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MODEL 1881 CAVALRY ENLISTED MAN’S DRESS HELMET – 7TH CAVALRY REGIMENT - EXCELLENT SPECIMEN:  There are few pieces of Indian War uniforming that are as attractive, and that continue to hold collectors’ interest, as does the Model 1881 Cavalry Enlisted Man’s Dress Helmet.  Bearing the regimental numeral of the 7TH Cavalry on the eagle plate, and showing some evidence of having been issued and worn, this helmet is a particularly nice, complete example.     

    

This helmet is complete with all of the original trimmings and insignia, to include an original set of helmet cords, the plume, plume holder, side buttons, rings, eagle plate, the very scarce original leather chin strap, and of course, an excellent original helmet body.  The regimental numeral appears to be original to the eagle plate, and in turn the plate appears to be original to the helmet. 

The helmet body is full form with no crushing, loss of finish or signs of heavy wear, and the dark blue wool felt is clean. 

The W.H. Horstmann 1889 (a desirable Indian Wars date) contract maker’s stamp is still present and very legible on the sweat band, and the 7 1/8 size sticker is still present. 

The original set of cords on this helmet is full length with all the tassels, braided slides and waffles present and intact.  The color is bright with no fading.  There are a few wear points along the main chest cords – evidence of issue and wear where the soldier likely snagged the cords on his horse’s equipment when mounting and dismounting his horse during dress parades.  These wear points are not unsightly, nor do they weaken the integrity of the cords, and when the cords are displayed coiled under the helmet as shown in the first photograph above, the wear points are not visible.  Complete sets of original cavalry cords are very scarce, and finding this set on the helmet is noteworthy.   

It is also worth mentioning that the leather chin straps for these helmets are virtually non-existent on the market as they did not survive well in storage, so that this one is present is a definite added value.   

Complete with all of the components, this Cavalry Dress Helmet is a particularly striking specimen, one as nice as you are likely to encounter, and one that will certainly be a pleasure to own and display as a center piece in your collection.  (0217)  $2550

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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