Colonial Helmet

Peter_Suciu

Peter_Suciu

Well-known member
Well, I'm back from SOS. I think I found my holy grail of helmets!

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Wyliecoyote said:
Wow, absolutely excellant! Was that used in Afrika or Asia?
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Various helmets were used in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. But I think this style was most commonly used in Asia.
 
Hi Peter:

Congratulations! Is this the same Tropenhelm advertised on the Regimentals site? The condition and interior markings are fantastic. What sort of precautions were necessary for safe transport on a commercial flight?

I'm sorry we only met only briefly outside the SOS. I thought for certain we might cross paths again on the inside.

Best regards,

Chas.
 
This is the Regimentals helmet, and as far as taking it on the plane I had to fly to New York via Chicago. I had two seats to Chicago and it sat next to me. From Chicago to New York I upgraded to First Class so I had enough room under my seat! I actually upgraded in advance for that very reason!

And yes, I'm a British helmet guy. But I have 170+ helmets dating from the Franco-Prussian War to the modern day. I have helmets from 20+ nations. I actually want a pith helmet from the major powers from the pre-WWI era. I have French, British (of course) and now German. The new Holy Grail is going to be an Italian.

I have a cousin who actually lives in Ethiopia, and part of the reason I want to go visit is to look for Italian militaria.
 
The pithiest of the pith Peter!! They do not get any better than that example. Museum quality all thwe way! Brian
 
Peter_Suciu said:
I think I found my holy grail of helmets!
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Peter, found my last year as you may recall. Well done! I know the dizzying feeling of elation that no person who doesn't collect would understand.

Oh, seeing as you live in new York, is this an appropriate smiley? :headbang:
 
Peter,

That is a fantastic find! Good luck on your new Grail! It's all about the thrill of the hunt. May I ask how the wappen is attached?

John
 
Hi Peter

I am not specialist in these colonial helmets. Yours is marvelous. Currently on sale on Ebay.de:
http://cgi.ebay.de/Alter-Tropenhelm-Pickelhaube_W0QQitemZ110097603675QQihZ001QQcategoryZ34649QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But I think it is not genuine: French helmet and German wappen?

Best regards

Eric
 
monfort said:
But I think it is not genuine: French helmet and German wappen?
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Eric--
I think you hit the nail on the head. This is most certainly a French helmet. I have one and this is the exact model. Note also the two holes... that's to hold the French Colonial Marine anchor. What a shame! :x
 
At first glance, when I saw it on Ebay , I thought Italian , but you guys are on the mark. It's French. The Italian has a slightly higher profile with a single vent on each side. Corky
 
Peter_Suciu said:
I think you hit the nail on the head. This is most certainly a French helmet. I have one and this is the exact model. Note also the two holes... that's to hold the French Colonial Marine anchor. What a shame! :x
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Well THAT is a drag.
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So I guess I am still the only one who found my "grail"? Fortunately, I have never had a problem sending something back to Regimentals for a full refund, so hopefully you will have no difficulty either. Good luck, and keep looking.
 
Tony & Kaiser said:
Well THAT is a drag.
nono.gif
So I guess I am still the only one who found my "grail"? Fortunately, I have never had a problem sending something back to Regimentals for a full refund, so hopefully you will have no difficulty either. Good luck, and keep looking.
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Sorry Tony! No, my helmet is good. It is German, and 100% correct. It even has the stamps inside in German.

I was referring to the helmet that Eric posted that is on eBay! That is a French helmet with a German plate.

But thank you for your concern! The grail has been found and it has a good home! :D
 
thecorkhelmet said:
At first glance, when I saw it on Ebay , I thought Italian , but you guys are on the mark. It's French. The Italian has a slightly higher profile with a single vent on each side. Corky
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If you ever see an Italian one do let me know. I have British, French, German and American. I do want an Italian 19th century pith/sun helmet and then I have a "complete" collection.

Those are the primary nations that used this style helmet. While the Belgians may have used pith helmets, I believe (from my research) that these were plain white and were British made.
 
Yes, I was just spoken about the helmet on E bay, very far from Peter's one, which is in the best condition I have seen

The wrong helmet on E bay is indeed a combination of a French one (2 holes for French Marine insigna or maybe Gendarmerie) and a German colonial plate (maybe a copy)

Best regards

Eric
 
monfort said:
The wrong helmet on E bay is indeed a combination of a French one (2 holes for French Marine insigna or maybe Gendarmerie) and a German colonial plate (maybe a copy)
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It is sad that someone removed the French badge from the eBay helmet. It wasn't in great shape, but these are becoming hard to find too!
 
Peter_Suciu said:
Sorry Tony! No, my helmet is good. It is German, and 100% correct. It even has the stamps inside in German. I was referring to the helmet that Eric posted that is on eBay! That is a French helmet with a German plate.
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All clear now. I thought you were referring to yours, and that the maker's mark etc which looked perfect to me, had been added. OK, I am glad everything worked out. Do you or Corky have a 1st war Wolseley? http://www.kaisersbunker.com/cef/headgear/cefch18.htm I assume this pattern was used by the Brits as well?
 
I have several Wolseley pattern hemets and I remember seeing photos of Peter's. I will post photos of my Italian tropical police and Belgium later tonight. Corky
 
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