US Indian Wars Era, M1881 Cavalry Enlisted Dress Helmet, Horstman Contract
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $650.00

Original era manufacture. A beautiful example of a near-fully rigged US Army enlisted dress helmet for the Cavalry. As withmany of these found today, this example has been assembled from original parts whichonce were available by the barrel-full decades ago. The only item missing from this ensembleare the uniform cords which would attach the helmet to the soldier.A very nice Horstmann contract wool felt body, with either an 1895 or 1899 inkstamped dateon the underside of the undamaged, and pliable leather sweatband. No extra holes in the body, and the metal insigniahas been installed with care.Stamped gilded brass Cavalry marked side buttons, original and undamaged, black painted leather chinstrap and body band. The painted leather edging to the helmet is alsointact and damage free.Golden yellow wool helmet cords which have been carefully tack-stitched into the body of the helmet so they will not"flop around" when inspecting the helmet, a nice touch.Stamped gilded brass Cavalry helmet plate with a German silver number6 set into the shield. Gilded brass oakleaf base, plume socket and long threaded screw, which keep the golden yellow horsehair plume in position.A beautiful condition helmet, one which would be a very handsome centerpiece to any Cavalry display. Size about a 6 1/2. From the estate of a longtime Arizona collector