MODEL 1881 DISMOUNTED OFFICER DRESS HELMET SPIKE
AND OAK LEAF BASE – PRIVATE PURCHASE INTERLOCKING SET
WITH REMOVABLE SPIKE: While this was not a
regulation design, these interlocking spike and base
sets are known to have been available during the period
the Model 1881 Dress Helmets were worn by the regular
army and state militia officers. This design must have
had a genuine appeal to the officers who were required
to purchase their own uniforms and fittings, and when
doing so, could avail themselves of improved designs
such as offered in this set. When storing their dress
helmets for movement between assignments, having the
ability to remove the spike from the helmet to prevent
damage to the felt helmet body was certainly a benefit.
This set is in like new condition, showing no signs of
wear or age. The tabs on the spike which engage the
slots in the base are both present and both sets of
attaching wires are present on the underside of the
base.
This is a nice set that is not commonly found and it
would make a good addition to a helmet display or to
complete an officer’s dress helmet. (1004) $150
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