Named Universal Pattern Helmet from the Nile Campaign

[Peter_Suciu]

Here is a named helmet to Major Frederick Denison, who led the Canadian Voyageurs on the Nile employed by the Imperial Government in the Sudan Campaign. The helmet has his initials on the leather headband, and is the type of private purchase officer's helmet used in the campaign. The tin is named to Denison.

[Lutfen]

Superb piece of history! What’s the background to the these items?

Michael

[ROBB]

Very cool have you got an interior photo. Rob

[Peter_Suciu]

These helmets were the same as the British Foreign Service Helmet but in the 1880s the Canadian military began to wear these domestically as well as overseas - hence it is a universal pattern helmet. This is an officer's private purchase example. The interior is a little rough, but this is what I like to see in sun/pith helmets used in the field. The helmet was offered to me earlier this year but as it was in Canada I had to wait until the seller could cross the border today.

I'm pleased to add it to the collection. I've already had some serious offers to sell it.

[ROBB]

Cool how about adding an inside photo for future reference. Rob

[hatleyj]

Very nice.

[Peter_Suciu]

Interior as requested.

[WalterB]

Amazing!!

[Peter_Suciu]

Well, I did what some collectors might consider "unthinkable." I sold the helmet to the Governor General's Horse Guards Society Museum. Major Denison had served as the commander of the unit, and his medals are in the museum. I actually turned down a MUCH higher cash offer from another collector for the helmet.

While sun/pith helmets are really my thing I already have many very nice examples and a few that I have traced to the owners. One more helmet to me wouldn't mean a lot, so in this particular case I thought it best that the museum acquire the piece. It was still a privilege for me to own it even if just for a couple of days.