Description
Rhode Island 1st Engineers dress helmet.
White wool covered cork body helmet for an officer of the 1st Regiment of Engineers, Rhode Island National Guard. The period is in the 1880’s to 1902 era. The helmet visor and and base is trimmed in tan colored leather. Typical of most dress helmets of this era, it has the gilt cording, spike and base, and shield with hooks to hold cording in place. Engineer side buttons with hooks; one on the left side has a variant style chinstrap in gilt brass attached, with the other end placed on the back side shield/hook. The helmet was made by Pettibone Bros, of Cincinnati, Ohio. (their silver label is embossed on the sweat band. Red silk lined, and sizing label for 6 3/4.
The identifying feature of the helmet is the finely made round gilt bullion engineer insignia and border on an orange colored velvet. The color had turned to this current color, as I assume that the original color was red. Silver bullion letter and numbering are used to identify the unit.
I have found nothing in a quick search on the net to share with you about the 1st Engineers.
Condition is fine with only some age toning to the gilt cording, and some very light soiling to the wool body. A choice example I would think. First we have encountered.
Additional information
| Weight | 4 lbs |
|---|
