Headgear: historically significant antique caps, chapeaus, sailor caps, 1881 helmets, 1872 Army campaign hat, WWI helmets, WWII helmets, original hat parts, helmet plates, buttons, including 1872 and 1881, Indian Scout. Many countries. All periods. Military and civilian.

All items listed below are offered & sold as collector items only, and are not recommended or guaranteed for wear

Items are not listed in chronological order...please scroll through the entire section.

NOTICE: This section has some rare and hard to find hat parts.  This is material we have acquired over the past 40+ years.  Now that we have slowed down to retirement status, we'll be adding more as it comes out.  You may find just the right item to fill in that missing part on your helmet(s).  Check the "Insignia" section also as there is a crossover of hat plates/insignia for hats.

1H  -  M1872 U.S. ARMY CAMPAIGN HAT.  More Photos, Click Here  Probably the rarest, most coveted piece of regulation U.S. Army headgear in existence, for the advanced collector.  Desired as much today as it was reviled, disparaged and criticized when it was issued during the brief period of its use.  I have not seen more than four in my 46+ year career, and this is the best.  No wonder they are so rare,  (the Smithsonian was only able to examine four for their headgear book), they were claimed to have worn out in a few weeks in the field.  Custer’s men wore them on their famous expedition to the Black Hills in 1874, and can be seen in all its variety of forms in the many well known photos of that expedition.  See McChristian’s “The U.S. Army in the West” pg. 146 & 152 for two views.  Condition is excellent.  The brim retains its original shape, still has stiffness, and the edge is not chipped or cracked.  There is a double row of stitching at the edge.  At the fold there are some short cracks front and rear on the brim.  It retains all 4 original hooks and eyes, though the thread on one is almost entirely loose.  Fine ribbed black headband, plus an original, faded Cavalry hat cord (Civil War).  Inside the crown divot, along the center fold, toward the rear, is a 1 ¼” frayed crack.  Medium dark brown leather sweatband appears to have been re-stitched into place.  It shows some use and light surface wear.  The previous owner and I both have not completely un-folded the hat, but have kept it carefully flat.  When resting on a flat surface, the left and right brims rise from the center a bit like wings, giving a very shallow “V”.  Nice clean specimen of an Army hat, which in all probability, you will never see offered again.  $9,500

2H  -  C.1840 AMERICAN GRENADIER-TYPE CAP PLATE.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view   Figure 164 in the Smithsonian Book on "American Military Insignia 1800-1851" by Campbell & Howell, Bulletin 235.  Quoting the book, this is one of the most beautiful examples of the die-makers art in the National collections (also the largest).  On a sunburst over clouds is an eagle grasping the top of the Federal shield, superposed on a panoply of arms and colors.  Stamped in thick sheet brass.  A full 7 1/2" wide, 5 1/2" high.  Almost 30 years ago, we adopted this insignia as our business logo, and had it copyrighted.  Shortly thereafter we encountered a small supply of these plates in Mint condition, which we had never seen on the market before and have never seen one since.  We bought them all, and put them in storage, occasionally selling one or two.  We would like to consider these original, but finding a small quantity of 1840's plates all in mint condition, strains credibility.  Thus we assume these are rare, early reproductions from an unknown source.  They are exact duplicates of the referenced Smithsonian example.  A gorgeous plate for a gift price.  Shown is a representative example. All are about the same condition.  Each...$35

THE FOLLOWING INDIAN SCOUT HORSE HAIR PLUMES HAVE COME OUT OF LONG-IN-STORAGE BOXES OF ORIGINAL MATERIAL. THERE ARE NO MORE, AND ONCE THESE ARE GONE, THAT'S IT!  We may be the only website in the country who has these originals.

4H (B)  -  ORIGINAL INDIAN SCOUT HORSE HAIR PLUME.  More Photos, Click Here  For the M1881 Dress Helmet.  If  you have a helmet in need of this or wish to make one up, this plume will put you over one of the biggest obstacles to success.  The last complete helmet we sold was about 8 years ago, and sold for $2800.  Since, the price only went up.  The plume and the cords account for 90% or more of the cost, the value of each roughly equal.  Here is a chance, never to be repeated once our couple of plumes are gone.  If you think you'll ever want an Indian Scout helmet, now is the time to buy. These plumes are mint.  They have alternating stripes of deep red and white horse hair 18 1/2" long.  Still has thread wrap from the factory.  Star grommet at top.  Have only three.  Each...$695

4H (C)  -  ORIGINAL INDIAN SCOUT HORSE HAIR PLUME AND EAGLE HELMET PLATE.  More Photos, Click Here  Fabulous find for the M1881 dress helmet.  Guaranteed original.  This irreplaceable set has been in storage close to 40 years, and just came out as we are in the process of retiring.  Consists of a good as new Indian Scout, red & white horse hair plume, AND a mint eagle helmet plate with the silver crossed arrows applied to the shield (absolutely original!!).  Eagle has crossed sabers behind the shield and all three original brass wire loops fasteners on back. The last complete M1881 Indian Scout helmet we sold was about 8 years ago, and it went for $2800.  Today the price would be at least $1000 higher.  The plume and the cords account for at least 90% of the value, the value of each being roughly equal.  Here is a chance never to be repeated once our couple of plumes are gone.  If you think you'll ever want an Indian Scout helmet, to put one together or finish one you have, now is the time to buy.  And this unique set, which includes the eagle plate with crossed arrows, is irreplaceable...never to be repeated. $995

5H  -  RARE M1881 9^TH INFANTRY OFFICER’S SPIKED HELMET.  More Photos, Click Here  Press formed helmet body covered with quality black wool fabric.  Face has officer’s model stamped brass eagle insignia with applied shield with silver “9” on front and crossed rifles behind.  Top has brass spike and base.  Sides have at top, shield shaped hook bases which holds the draped bullion braid front and back.  At bottom are brass crossed rifle medallions.  Top rear has shield shaped hook base for chin chain, not included.  Exterior condition excellent.  There are only a couple ¼” or less moth holes in fabric.  Interior has leather sweatband, very good, showing wear; loose in a few spots, but is not noticeable. Leather lining to underside of front visor has front to rear crack from drying (now treated).  Underside of rear visor has triangular 1 ¼” piece of lining out, also from drying (now treated).  Crown lining is maroon fabric with faded “BENT & BUSH/BOSTON” dealer name (famed military outfitter from before the Civil War).  Officer’s name on piece of paper tucked behind sweatband.  Been years since we had an officer’s model.  $1,495

6H  -  PATTERN OF 1889 "DRAB" U.S. INFANTRY, SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CAMPAIGN HAT.  More Photos, Click Here  Iconic U.S. Soldier, Spanish American War headgear with snowflake punches on each side of the crown, ribbed silk headband with small, flat bow.  Has original, darkened bronze crossed rifles with "8 over F" at center, flanked by "N-Y".  Rare early insignia for Co. F, 8th Regt. New York Volunteers.  2+" wide brown leather sweatband with faded, visible but illegible oval inspector's stamp on inner face.  Brim edged with three rows of stitching.  Basically a brownish mud color - typical regulation "Drab", which meant any of an infinite number of shades with grey to brown grey.  Condition is very good, dusty, few areas of small surface mothing, mostly around the insignia.  Shows use but there is nothing negative I can think to say about this excellent display hat which saw the campaign but miraculously survived.  From my personal collection.  $1,350

7H  -  U.S. G.I. COMBAT HELMETS.  More Photos, Click Here  Korean War vintage.  Small lot released by Rhode Island National Guard. Generally excellent condition.  80-90% finish.  No liner.  Incredible price never to be repeated once these are gone.  (Helmet shown is a representative example...all fairly comparable in condition, some with more rubs than others).  Each ... $18  Buy three or more...$15 each

8H  - EXCELLENT POST-WWII U.S. COMBAT HELMET & LINER.  More Photos, Click Here  Complete with liner.  Korea-Vietnam era.  Liner has O.D. web and same color interior, with cloth texture visible.  Liner exterior is more green.  Interior of liner has yellow #42 at lower edge at area.  Metal shell has rim joint at rear.  Metal shell has rim joint at rear, flexible chin strap loops and excellent sand texture exterior.  No chin strap for liner or shell.  Exterior finish only has a few rubs.  $35

9H  -  NEAR MINT PATTERN OF 1872 ARMY OFFICER’S CHAPEAU.  More Photos, Click Here  A gorgeous specimen, entirely regulation, but purchased by an officer of the Massachusetts Militia, and to individualize the hat, he replaced the eagle button with one of the Mass State Seal…the only variance from Federal Regulations.  Sold by the famed military outfitter BENT & BUSH, Boston, whose name is silver embossed (worn) in the crown, lined with crimson satin.  Lush black beaver hat.  Gold bullion tassels front and rear.  Bullion panel on front side with gilt M1872 eagle emblem at top and aforementioned button at bottom.  Very lush black ostrich feathers over top. Light brown leather sweatband showing slight use.  Very fine condition.  Extravagant historic headgear seldom seen anymore.  $695

10H  -  ORIGINAL M1881 HELMET PLUME HOLDER-SPIKE BASE.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view  representative example shown  Acorn and leaf pattern. Stamped brass.  Mint.  Unused.  From a stash of rare hat parts accumulated over 45+ years.  May have minor storage tarnish.  As they come from the supply...Each...$15

12H  -  STRIKING 1914 FRENCH OFFICER’S HELMET OF THE CUIRASSIER REGIMENTS.  More Photos, Click Here  Throwback to a few hundred years prior when such large and flamboyant headgear was generally in fashion.  Helmet body is sheet iron once polished bright, now grey, and shaped to have a long lobster-tail rear visor, as did the German Jaegers.  Additionally, the helmet body was given an elaborate brass comb with rich, ornate, raised surface patterns, topped in front with a female face with serpents in her hair, all this topped with a long black horsehair plume which falls well past the tail of the helmet. Further, the front of the helmet is covered with yet another stamped brass plate featuring a flaming bomb at center within a large wreath.  Further yet, there are circular brass side medallions holding functional, leather chin straps faced with graduated brass scales.  A small brass ball/plume is missing from above the lady’s head, and a small vertical plume is missing from a small mount on the left side.  Overall excellent.  Steel grey.  Brass tarnished.  Hair excellent/dusty.  Under visor leather veneer cracked in front – half gone in back.  Leather liner very good, just needs a bit of oil.  Remarkably showy and historic WWI French headgear sadly archaic when adopted. Our reference is "Military Fashion", by John Mallo, G. P. Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 1972.  Page 224, item 143 appears identical to our example, and is identified as 1914 Officer of Cuirassier.  $1,450

13H  -  WWII GERMAN ALLIES HELMET – RARE BULGARIAN ANTI-AIRCRAFT.  More Photos, Click Here   One-piece Luftshutz Gladiator style with marvelous multi-color insignia decal on left side.  Obtained a few of these many years ago and had them stored since.  My notes remind me that the source said the 2¼” high decal top lettering stands for Anti-Aircraft use.  Rest of decal (shield shaped, divided into several different color panels with rampant lion at center) is the Bulgarian seal.  Helmet shell color is semi-gloss grey.  Very good overall, with a band encircling the side of the crown, which has some paint wear and some thin scattered rust, from where another helmet rested on top, in a stack.  Excellent decal with minor edge rub on right, top edge.  Liner excellent and is much like German WWI - brown leather with 3 lobes, each with two fingers, mounted on leather band.  Band employs decorative scrap oilcloth in construction.  Really neat helmet seldom seen.  Even has original printed issue form loose in crown.  $245

14H  -  SPLENDID C.1840 MASSACHUSETTS HELMET PLATE.  More Photos, Click Here  Among the best I have, and very valuable to restore an otherwise fine helmet, lacking the front plate.  Multi-layered, the face is highly contoured stamped brass.  At center is an inky blue enameled disc of sheet iron with brass insignia distinctive to Massachusetts…a raised, armored arm wielding a sword.  All this is encircled with raised, inscribed border, superposed against a six-pointed sunburst.  All this is set against a silk pleated cockade in faded pink and white.  The raised inscription has a Latin motto “MONSTRAT VIAM” plus the date 1741 (date of the unit’s organization).  Excellent condition.  Few nicks in the enamel.  Also lacks one of the two wire loop fasteners on back.  3 ½” in diameter, including cockade.  $265

17H  -  WWII ITALIAN AFRICA CAMPAIGN PITH HELMET.  More Photos, Click Here   Comparable to the German pith helmets for the same theater. Press-formed cork body with thin khaki fabric covering in and out.  Metal domed vent at top of crown; couple tiny chips. Fabric pouch on right side to take the base of a feather plume, (not included).  Narrow russet leather chin strap which is probably fairly fragile, but looks new. Sweatband looks new – unused.  Overall condition is unused, just showing hints of storage.  $125   We have a few, all in comparable condition

19H  -  LOT OF THREE ORIGINAL M1881 HELMET SPIKES.   Click on each thumbnail for larger view  Sale Pending  Original.  Never used.  Brass, turned to lustrous dark tarnish. Originally these were packaged in tissue paper and were bright shiny brass.  When I bought them decades ago, they had darkened to the color they are now, and I removed them from the tissue paper.  While we have not tried to polish one, there is every possibility these can be shined to bright brass.  Nice to have a little supply of parts.  Having been a militaria dealer for 45+ years, and now retired, we no longer need these. Sold by S & S for $15 each.  All three for $25

20H  -  LOT OF THREE ORIGINAL M1881 HELMET SPIKES. Click on each thumbnail for larger view   Brass. Used originals.  Excellent.  Light tarnish. Nice to have a small supply of parts.  Having been a militaria dealer for 45+ years, and now retired, we no longer need these. Sold by S & S for $15 each.  All three for $25

21H  -  LOT OF FIVE ORIGINAL M1881 HELMET CHAIN HOOKS.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view  Brass shield with hook on bottom to support chain, plus brass wire fasteners on back.  Very good used condition.  Always nice to have a small supply.  Having been a militaria dealer for 45+ years, and now retired, we no longer need these. S & S sells these for $15 each.   All five for $40

22H  -  ORIGINAL ANTIQUE HELMET BRAID, KNOTS & TASSELS.  More Photos, Click Here   White. C.1840+. A design used over a lengthy period. There’s a bell crown (C.1840) shown with a nearly identical set of braid, knots & tassels, except the bell crown added a second, larger row of braid.  See page 40, of Sturbridge Village’s book “New England Militia Uniforms and Accoutrements” (essentially Bill Guthman’s collection) for the picture.  This is a really nice, clean, original set, complete.  Just wants rings to fasten to helmet.  Braid prox. 19” long.  Pendant knots and tassels prox. 10” long.  Will throw in a pair of wire rings which should work well, but appear late.  $150

23H  -  ABOUT MINT MODEL 1881 U.S. CAVALRY DRESS HELMET.  More Photos, Click Here  Uniquely distinct style among the entire evolution of American Military headgear.  Now practically impossible to replace once sold. This is for enlisted Cavalry.  It is complete, and in essentially new condition.  Beautiful black pressed felt body.  Brass front insignia of spread eagle with crossed sabers.  Top has eagle plume holder and base.  Sides have brass crossed saber medallions.  Complete with chin strap (universally missing), and orangey yellow horsehair plume AND matching hat braid AND original matching coat cords, flat knots and tassels.  Leather sweatband looks unused.  Inside it has the Horstmann contract stamp "W. H. HORSTMANN CO.(partially legible)/Contract March 4th, 1899" (the last number slightly smudged). An extremely fortunate find; a retiree sold this out of his lifetime collection.  $2,395

24H  -  CIVIL WAR ENLISTED ARTILLERY HAT CORD.   Click on each thumbnail for larger view representative example shown  Un-issued condition, absolutely original.  Red worsted wool double cords.  Goes through keeper in front and ends in large tassels of the same material, some still retaining the thread which holds the fringe bunched together, others without. From a stash of rare hat parts accumulated over 45+ years.  Each...$65

25H  -  CIVIL WAR ENLISTED INFANTRY HAT CORD.   Click on each thumbnail for larger view   representative example shown  Un-issued condition, absolutely original.  Double loop cords of worsted wool are a pale blue.  They go through a small, barrel shaped sliding keeper in front, of the same material, and have tassel ends. Some still retain the thread which holds the fringe bunched together, others without.  Infantry hat cords are extremely rare – nearly as rare as Cavalry. From a stash of rare hat parts accumulated over 45+ years.  Have only one...$85

28H  -  WWII JAPANESE NAVAL FIELD STYLE CAP.  More Photos, Click Here  Light olive, with oval patch insignia sewn to front.  Same material as the hat, with yellow paint vertical anchor.  Couple tiny chips out. Hat shows no use but has some age and handling. Late War.  Very thin, quite abrasive feeling fabric – some sort of cheap, synthetic fiber.  Hat body is made in two layers, the inner is the liner, and is tan.  Sweatband is dark brown paper.  Each side of crown has three small vent eyelets – rust brown.  Rear bottom has adjustment vent with three eyelets each side (one gone).  Stiff paper chin strap and metal studs on side.  Believe this is for the Marine Assault troops.  Couple small spots of sweatband sewing open.  $275

29H  -  WWII JAPANESE FIELD STYLE CAP FROM THE MITSUBISHI FACTORY.  More Photos, Click Here  Issued to factory workers in the important wartime factory.  Has a sewn on Mitsubishi logo insignia on front, the same design as still used today.  Hat is in new condition, and was just discovered by a collector in Osaka Japan.  Olive color.  Medium weight, late war materials.  Very cheap, brittle chin strap (type of cardstock) mostly gone.  Just has ends at the side studs.  Simulated leather (brown finished cloth) sweatband in new condition.  Great rarity in Japanese gear.  Seldom see Japanese home front material.  $125

31H  -  M1881 HELMET EAGLE FRONT PLATES.  Guaranteed original.  These are from a long-in-storage supply of various and rare hat/helmet parts.  We will be adding more original specimens in the near future, so please check back.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view

A.  Infantry Helmet Eagle Front Plate.  Sale Pending  Enlisted model.  Very good specimen.  Eagle with shield at center with crossed rifles behind.  Medium dark patina.  Two of the three brass wire loops on back are missing and new need to be soldered on.  Two tiny holes were punched through wing tip to allow a thin wire to serve as a replacement fastener. Plate size is prox. 4 1/2" tall.  $35

B.  Infantry Helmet Eagle Front Plate.  SOLD  Enlisted model.  Fine specimen.  Eagle with shield at center with crossed rifles behind.  Light tarnish.  Choice condition.  Full set of wire loops on back.  Prox. 4 1/2" tall.  $45

C.  Infantry Helmet Eagle Front Plate. SOLD Enlisted model.  Fine specimen.  Eagle with shield at center with crossed rifles behind.  Light tarnish.  Excellent condition.  Two of three wire fasteners still remain.  Prox. 4 1/2" tall.  $40

I.  Cavalry Helmet Eagle Front Plate.  SOLD Enlisted model.  Very fine.  Eagle with shield with crossed sabers behind.  Bright brass with slight tarnish on front.  Shield has three small holes where branch or regimental insignia went.  Has full set of brass wire loop fasteners on back; upper left is wobbly.  Nicely contoured for helmet.  Prox. 4 1/2" high.  $60

34H  -  SUPERB C.1820-40 LAUREL WREATH HELMET FRONT PLATE.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view  A stock pattern used widely on the many leather helmet styles of the period.  Large and handsome, prox. 5” across, 4” high.  Meant to surround some distinctive unit insignia.  Stamped brass with mellow lustrous patina.  Reverse has all five original wire fasteners.  Valuable restoration part.   $125

 35H  -  WWII GERMAN ALLIES HELMET – RARE BULGARIAN ANTI-AIRCRAFT.  More Photos, Click Here   One-piece Luftshutz Gladiator style with marvelous multi-color insignia decal on left side.  Obtained a few of these many years ago and had them stored since.  My notes remind me that the source said the 2 ¼” high decal top lettering stands for Anti-Aircraft use.  Rest of decal (shield shaped, divided into several different color panels with rampant lion at center) is the Bulgarian seal.  Helmet shell color is semi-gloss grey.  Very good paint overall, with some extra wear from where another helmet was stacked on top.  Very good decal with about 20% surface/edge wear and age toning.  Liner is like German WWI – three lobes with two fingers each, mounted on leather band.  Excellent condition.  Even comes with original issue form loose in crown.  $245

36H  -  M1881 HELMET PLUME HOLDER ROD.  The following are from an old lot of long-in-storage inventory.  Decorative stamped brass disc 1 1/4" in diameter with thin brass threaded rod extending from the underside, set in solder.  There is great variety in these, having been made by several contractors and for two models of the dress helmet.  Below is a selection.  Dimensions will be given.  Click on each thumbnail below for larger view

A.  This rod measures 5 3/4" long, 0.132" thick, 1 5/8" of threaded end, with 26 threads per inch.  No nut provided.  $25

B.  This rod measures 5 5/8" long, 0.13" thick, 1 3/4" of threaded end, with prox. 32 threads per inch. No nut provided.  $25

C.  This rod measures 5 1/2" long, 0.125" thick, 1 3/4" of threaded end, with prox. 32 threads per inch.  Included is plume support washer and brass nut.  $30

D.  This rod measures 5 1/2" long, 0.132" thick, 1 1/4" of threaded end, with prox. 26 threads per inch. Nut not provided.  $25

E.  This rod measures 5 1/2" long, 0.124" thick, 1 5/8" of threaded end, with prox. 32 threads per inch.  Nut included.  $28

F.  This rod measures 5 1/2" long, 0.132" thick, 1 1/4" of threaded end, with 26 threads per inch. Includes plume support washer and nut.  $30

37H(A) -  M1881 CAVALRY HORSE HAIR HELMET PLUME.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view  Orangey yellow.  Just about like new.  14” long.  Lovely form.  Have a few, all the same, from an old lot of material long in storage.  Each...$45

37H(B)  -  M1881 ARTILLERY HORSE HAIR HELMET PLUME. Click on each thumbnail for larger view    Scarlet.  Excellent condition.  Nice form.  Lustrous color.  Very scarce.  From the star grommet, the plume is 14" long.  Far more rare than cavalry, and the only one we have.  From an old lot of material long in storage.  $125

38H  -  M1881 CAVALRY HELMET HORSE HAIR PLUME.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view   Un-issued, unused original.  From the last contract for this helmet style before new uniforms were adopted in 1902.  This left some surplus parts which old-time dealers acquired 40+ years ago.  Orangey yellow.  Horsehair still has string wrap from the factory.  Some have a short paper wrap as well.  Have several.  Each...$35

42H  -  C.1840-50's MILITIA HELMET PLATE.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view  Definitely of military composition, employing cannon and flagstaff/spearheads radiating from a beaded center and superposed on a sunburst background. Has an applied (from the back) black enameled sheet iron disc at center with raised brass regimental number “5”.  One of the most popular stock patterns of the period I know of.  2 ¾” across.  Seen often on dress caps, perhaps more so than on shakos, by this time.  Lustrous light patina.  Reverse lacks one of two wire fasteners.  Valuable restoration piece.  Often mistakenly thought to date post-Civil War.  Not so.  Exact specimen is shown in Campbell & Howell’s “American Military Insignia 1800-1851” (Smithsonian Bulletin 238), page 86.  $125

43H  -  C.1840-50's MILITIA HELMET PLATE.  Click on each thumbnail for larger view  Definitely of military composition, employing cannon and flagstaff spearheads radiating from a beaded center and superposed on a sunburst background. Has an applied (from the back) black enameled sheet iron disc at center, with raised brass regimental number 6 or 9.  One of the most popular stock patterns of the period I know of.  2 ¾” across.  Seen often on dress caps, perhaps more so than on shakos by this time.  Nice gold tone color. Reverse lacks one of two wire fasteners.  Where the one wire is missing, the soldier punched a tiny hole through the solder and brass, and pushed a pin through, to work like the missing wire.  Valuable restoration piece, often mistakenly thought to date post-Civil War.  Not so.  Exact specimen is shown in Campbell & Howell’s “American Military Insignia 1800-1851” (Smithsonian Bulletin 238), pg. 86.   $125

44H  -  UNBELIEVABLE and DIFFERENT U. S. WWI DECORATED HELMET, SOUTH PACIFIC MOTIF.  More Photos, Click Here  From my personal collection of over 20 years. This one is elaborately decorated, but by a method never seen before.  The entire crown of the helmet is covered with what appears to be a half coconut (but larger and smooth), and the exterior of the shell is profusely carved with a crest at top which appears to be a national insignia, with the sides wreathed by floral sprays.  Top has a central shield with several symbols, under a spread eagle surrounded by draped flags.  The faces of the carvings are gloss black.  Background is rust brown.  Very neat.  Strikes me as South Pacific (Hawaii?, Philippines?).  Rear of shell cracked from shrinkage.  Excellent liner and chin strap. Quite an attractive novelty, made up for a G.I. in some exotic land.  $145

45H  -  M1872 ARMY DRESS HELMET EAGLE FRONT PLATE.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view    A rare and valuable piece.  A fine, heavy example with some overlaying thin brown patina, showing what appears to be gilt underneath.  Consists of spread eagle within wreath, with shield at center.  Shield has two small holes for regimental number.  Reverse originally had nice short brass wire fasteners.  Now, three are missing.  About 4 ½” tall.  $275

47H  -  TRANSITIONAL M1872 TO M1881 HELMET EAGLE FRONT PLATE.   Click on thumbnail photos for larger view    Sale Pending  In 45 years as a militaria dealer, have I ever seen another.  Suggested in the drawings of 1878-79 submitted to the miles board of the proposed “new” helmet. The eagle shown is a cut down M1872 with the eagle still facing left.  I believe the helmet plate offered here is one prepared for the early pattern 1881 helmet, before the true M1881 plate was designed.  This is a M1872 eagle plate lacking the entire wreath which ran from the tips of the olive branch, up and over the eagle’s head, and down, joining the arrow tips.  Further, these wreath pieces were never part of this plate - never removed.  It looks to have been made without the wreath.  Heavy metal.  Nice detail.  Traces of gilt.  Four heavy wire loop fasteners on back.  Prox. 4 ½” tall.  Fascinating example. Made from scratch as a true transitional.  $145

49H  -  C.1810-40 HALF SUNBURST HELMET PLATE. Click on thumbnail photos for larger view    Could be Dragoons, or any number of other type units, as this is a widely used stock pattern.  Unit-specific insignia were added at center.  This one has the letter “S” applied with wire fasteners.  Campbell & Howell’s “American Military Insignia 1800-1851” (Smithsonian Bulletin 238) has at least three examples illustrated.  See pages 82-88-89.  Marvelous, heavy and handsome.  4 ½” wide.  Retains original wire fasteners on back.  Valuable restoration part.  $135

50H  -  C.1810-40 HALF SUNBURST HELMET PLATE.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view    Half sunburst plate was a stock pattern and saw universal use quite early.  The insignia applied to the plate, heavy entwined letters “GB” or “BG”, date its use to about 1840. Campbell & Howell’s “American Military Insignia 1800-1851” (Smithsonian Bulletin 238) shows at least 3 examples on pages 82-88-89.  Approximately 4 ¾” wide.  A handsome plate darkening a bit from tarnish.  Reverse has three of four original wire fasteners.  Valuable restoration part.  $125

51H  -  ORIGINAL C.1840-50's MILITIA HELMET PLATE.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   One of several similar designs and variations which were widely adopted during the brief two decades prior to the Civil War.  It was a period during which changing style dictated headgear smaller and lighter than the earlier classic leather shakos.  While still large or tall, many came to be called caps.  This handsome plate features the familiar black enameled sheet metal disc applied from the rear, set within a raised brass border superimposed on a 6-sided sunburst.  At center are ornate entwined letters (pick your sequence) NGP – PNG – NPG.  These are in heavy brass, applied with wire fasteners.  3 1/8” tall.  Lacks one of two wire fasteners on back.  Valuable restoration part.  $95

52H  -  WWII OFFICER'S ARMY AIR CORPS OVERSEAS CAP.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view    Size 7.  Very nice, used condition.  Name inside is “DIBERT – 3920”   $15

53H  -  ORIGINAL WWII U.S. CAMOUFLAGE HELMET NET WITH ATTACHED CAMOUFLAGE HELMET BAND.  (Helmet shown not included) Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Representative sample shown  Rare originals, the first we’ve ever had.  Worn on the M-1 helmet with all the netting ends sandwiched between helmet body and helmet liner…or, the rear netting end could be left hanging out and loose in the rear to cover neck and shoulders.  Medium forest green knit net roughly 28” wide, in a cross shape.  We only have three left, as follows:

A.  Complete with retaining band.  Shows minor use.  Crown has prox. 1 1/2" hole.  $28

B.  SOLD   Complete with retaining band.  Looks almost unused, except it has about 7 small holes scattered, which may be from storage.  Will look fine on a combat helmet.  $28

C.  Complete with retaining band, which is loose from net. Simply needs the little ties to put it back in place. Body about as good as when issued.  $32

58H  -  GOLD BULLION BRAID FOR M1872-81 OFFICER'S DRESS HELMETS. Click on thumbnail photos for larger view    These braids are identical except for length.  Depending on the size of your helmet(s), one piece may well be too long, and simply shortened, and the other may be short or just right.  Aside from the possible need to shorten one, the only thing necessary to mount them is to join the ends (sewing) and attaching to helmet with brass rings.  Tarnished but still has good metallic flash.  Will handsomely complete at least one helmet and possibly two.  One is 29+” long; the other is 39”.  Condition quite good.  Almost impossible to obtain for restoration.  Guaranteed original.  A few of the very last restoration supplies we have left, which were accumulated over 45 years.  $125

74H  -  A NICE GROUP OF ORIGINAL M1881 (few M1872) HELMET SIDE BUTTONS.  All guaranteed original, from our stash of historic hat parts we've collected for over 40 years. (Click on each thumbnail photo for different views)

A.   Original M1881 Helmet Infantry Side Buttons.  Classic crossed rifles on disc.  Brass wire fasteners soldered to back side.  Excellent. Guaranteed original. About 1” in diameter.  Pair…$18  (representative samples shown)

B.   Original M1881 Officer’s Infantry Side Buttons.  Classic crossed rifles on disc, with chin chain hook below, and brass wire fasteners soldered on the back. Guaranteed original. Excellent. About 1” in diameter.  Pair…$18  (representative samples shown)

C.   Original M1881 Helmet Cavalry Side Buttons.  About good as new. Crossed saber design.  Flat, narrow brass strips soldered on back for attaching. About 1” in diameter. Guaranteed original.  Nice, inexpensive early insignia for collectors and proper parts for completing helmet.    Pair…$35

D.   Original M1881 Helmet Musician’s Side Button.  Rare and the only one we have.  Has the musician’s lyre on front.  Brass wire fasteners on back.  Slight tarnish. About 1” in diameter.  Guaranteed original.  From our stash of historic hat parts we’ve collected for over 40 years.  Only one button. $22

E.   Original M1881 Helmet Subsistence Corps Side Buttons.  About mint condition.  Guaranteed original.  Has crescent moon design on front.  Narrow sheet brass strips soldered to rear for fastening to helmet.  Only one pair… $35     Have one single button…$15

F.   Original M1881 Helmet Quartermaster Corps Side Buttons.  About mint condition.  Guaranteed original.  Has crossed feather/key design on face.  Reverse has narrow, flat sheet brass fasteners soldered on.  About 1” in diameter. Only have three pair…Each set…$35

G.   Original M1881 Helmet Artillery Side Buttons.  Very scarce. Guaranteed original. Crossed cannon design.  Narrow, flat brass strips soldered to reverse for attaching to helmet. Excellent, with some darker tarnish to spots on face.  About 1” in diameter. Only one pair.  $35

H.   Original M1881 Helmet Signal Corps Side Buttons.  About mint condition.  Guaranteed original.  Crossed flags on front.  Narrow, flat sheet brass strips soldered on back for fastening to helmet. About 1” in diameter.  Only one pair. $40

I.    Original M1881 Helmet Infantry Side Buttons.  Crossed rifle design.  Excellent.  Fasteners on back are narrow sheet brass strips.  Have several pair, slightly different condition than those shown, but all comparable.  Each pair…$20

J.   Original M1881 Helmet Hospital Corps Side Buttons.  Good as new.  Guaranteed original.  Has silvered cross applied on the face.  Flat brass strips on back for attaching.  Great for building a helmet or adding to an insignia collection. Have two pair.  Each…$35

K.   Rare M1872-1881 Helmet Side Buttons.  SOLD There is a range of differing opinion on the original use and intent of this side button.  It has the raised, what was called the “Infantry Bugle” insignia during the Civil War, and from 1872 to 1874.  Somehow, this design was, at a later time, associated with Army Bands.  My personal opinion is that this design of a side button was intended for early use on the helmet for Infantry between 1872-74 at least, until the crossed rifles were adopted as a modernized substitute.  This same insignia designated Infantry during the Civil War and up to 1874, and I believe it would have been a difficult transition to alter the designation of the horn from Infantry to Band.  Whatever your opinion is, we have only one original pair.  Excellent, with brass wire fasteners on back.  $40

L.   Original M1881 Officer’s Helmet Artillery Side Button.  Interesting variation for reference collection or insignia enthusiast.  Nicely made with crisp crossed cannon, upside down from the normal button.  Has usual chin chain hook and brass wire fasteners on back.  Excellent.  Only one button.  $15

M.  Original M1872 Officer’s Helmet Artillery Side Button.  Good also for the M1881, but originally made for the M1872, as indicated by the lined background.  Crossed cannon have muzzles up. Excellent condition with wire fasteners on back and chin chain hook.  Only one button.  $18

N.   Original M1872 Officer’s Helmet Artillery Side Button.  Interesting variation for reference collection or insignia enthusiast.  Good also for the M1881 officer’s helmet, but originally made for the M1872 – identified by the line background.  This one has the crossed cannon upside down.  Excellent condition with wire fasteners on back and chin chain hook.  Only one button.  $18

O.   Original M1881 Helmet Engineer Side Button.  Rare and the only one we have.  Has engineer castle design on front.  Narrow, flat sheet brass fasteners on back.  Some tarnish on high spots on front. Only one button.  $28

P.   Original M1881 Officer’s Helmet Infantry Side Button.  Only one.  Has the standard crossed rifles on the face, and chin chain hook, and flat sheet brass fasteners on back for attachment to helmet.  Excellent.  The only officer side buttons we have with the sheet metal (rather than wire) fasteners. Only one button.  $10