United States pre-WWI Model 1889 Summer Tropical Sun Helmet

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1889 - 1909

Overview

United States pre-World War One Model 1889 Summer Tropical Sun Helmet. It features a tall, rounded crown that slopes sharply downward into a wide, sloping brim. The front brim is slightly shorter than the rear brim to provide maximum sun protection for the neck.
It is covered in coarse, tightly stitched khaki-coloured cotton drill cloth in four panels. The frame underneath the cloth is made of lightweight, compressed cork or pith, which makes the helmet rigid but highly fragile.
It has a small, raised cloth-covered button with air holes at the very top of the crown to allow heat to escape.
The inside has a leather sweatband attached via small cork spacers to the inner cork wall.
This helmet is in poor condition, with stains, tears and fraying edges.

Historical information

The United States pre-WWI Model 1889 Summer Tropical Sun Helmet was designed specifically for hot-weather field service. It replaced the 1887 model which was covered in stark white bleached cotton drill cloth which proved to be too conspicuous and impractical for field operations. The only difference between the two models was the colour of the cloth covering.
The Model 1887 sun helmet was specifically designated as the combat and field service hat for tropical deployments. It was extensively shipped to regular troops and volunteers fighting on the front lines during the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars.

This helmet was purchased with a cabinet card photograph of two United States Army Officers prior to World War One. In the portrait, the men are both wearing what appear to be Model 1889 sun helmets.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00267

Item type

Hats

Headwear

Personal Effects

Themes

War and Conflict

Material

Cork

Leather