Peter_Suciu
Well-known member
Here is truly the "holy grail" of items for my collection. This is one of three known examples of the Ellwood and Sons "Airtube" or "Air Chamber" helmets. These were used by British officers of the HonourableEast India Company prior to and during the Indian Mutiny. The pattern fell out of use by the 1870s and were replaced by cork helmets. This example is made of felt and covered in a white clay. The shape is different from the later pith/sun helmets as it featured a Roman-style comb on thetop. This served as the vent - hence why it is called an airtubeor air chamber helmet. However this helmet also evoked theBritish cavalry helmets of the era. When Hawkes & Co. introduced the cork helmets these copied the Albert Pattern (as in Prince Albert) cavalry helmets that featured a plume on top.