US Indian Scout Dress Helmet, 1890
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: $2200.00

Original era manufacture. Introduced in 1890 through the efforts of 1st Lieutenant Edward Casey of the 22nd US Infantry, then commanding a company of North Cheyanne mounted scouts stationed at Fort Keogh Montana. This pattern helmet is the only US dress helmet of the era to feature multiple colors in its plume and cording. We purchased this helmet from a retired USMC officer, a Citadel graduate, who received the helmet as a present from his Mother in 1964 who purchased the helmet at the Soldier Shop in New York city. The helmet is nearly complete, missing its thin leather chinstrap and adjusting buckle. The felt body of the helmet is sound, not crushed or broken with all of the brass fittings displaying an even and muted patina. The eight strand plume of four red, four white sections extends 6 inches below the edge of the helmet, which is correct for this pattern. The cords and paddles show considerable wear and fraying but are in the correct red/white configuration. Crossed arrow side buttons and a German silver crossed arrow overlay on the brass eagle front plate. The crossed arrow emblems were personally designed by Lieutenant Casey. At the time of our purchase the thin leather body band was loose and in danger of tearing off. We carefully applied a watered down mix of white glue and water to the underside of the strap and secured it to the helmet body. In addition, two of the three small brass loops which held the eagle plate in place were missing. We had a poor condition 1872 cavalry emblem in stock, from which I removed two brass attaching loops and secured them to the rear of the plate so it would sit properly on the front of the helmet. The leather sweatband is tattered and is missing a four inch section on one side. Some surface scuffing can be seen on the edge binding of the helmets rim. This helmet and its accompanying fittings have been together for a long, long time, with a pedigree of ownership reaching back nearly 50 years.