British Foreign Service Helmets

[Peter_Suciu]

Either of these look good? I've really wanted one but how do you tell the military from the commercial ones from the era?

This one looks American, but I read that some of the Yank helmets were made in England:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

And this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[yellow]

I would say both of these are not military because there is no hook fitment to the right hand side of the helmet where a chin scale can be flung over for dress purposes. This hook is normally attached by a nut and washer from the inside.

A lack of a military retailers label also puts me off.

Some officers probably did wear them minus fitments but if you ever came to sell one of these helmets convincing a dealer would be difficult indeed.

Personally I would wait until one with nice brass fitments and good bit of white blanco pops up on the market.......maybe even one with a japanned tin with brass spike fitment? You would be looking to spend around the 400 pound mark for an example from around 1880.

Steve.

[leigh kitchen]

Interesting to see how similar their construction & general appearance is to Royal Marines OR's white pith helmets of about 1950's - 60's - other than the RM's helmet's got cotter pins to fit it's removable sweatband, with no cork spacers, & is a "shorter" helmet.

[crown.point]

Peter,

Both of those are American. I believe m1889 is the term most collectors use. If you get one in hand for inspection, check the inside of the leather sweatband in the forehead area. All five of mine are stamped with the manufacturer (Wm. Horstmann) and the date (usually 1890s).

[Peter_Suciu]

Both of those are American. I believe m1889 is the term most collectors use. If you get one in hand for inspection, check the inside of the leather sweatband in the forehead area. All five of mine are stamped with the manufacturer (Wm. Horstmann) and the date (usually 1890s).

I notice that now. They do resemble the one I actually have. Mine has the spike mounted on top, done unofficially I know for the summer helmets.

I'll probably pass on those. I would consider if the price was right but they're probably more than I want/need to pay.