Ersatz felt rolled rim silver fittings

[USMC-EOD]

I picked this up for a reasonable price about a month ago. The liner is partially messed up and it has has a couple of splits in the shell repaired...

But, my first ever first rolled rim felt!

Fittings have a very thin nickel wash over the brass that has mostly worn away on the M91 side posts. Edge is rolled, but I found it interesting that an extra band of soft, cushioning felt had been partially stitched/placed inside behind the liner by the manufacturer. Looks like a form of padding between the hard shell and the leather lining, like one would find between the leather and aluminum on the liners of WWII Helmets.

I need to find the other parts.

Probably nothing new to you guys, but it is my first rolled rim one, so I am happy!

I figured I would share.

Bryan.

 

[Lars13]

Congratulations Bryan,
Very nice.
I'm no expert, but I imagine this is from the time when some of the metals were getting scarce, and rather than using white metal they used brass with a metal wash. As they went to steel fittings for all helmets pretty quickly, I would date this helmet to end 1914 / early 1915.
The helmet has retained its shape really well.
All in all excellent buy.
Regards,
Lars

 

[USMC-EOD]

Thanks Lars.

That makes a lot of sense.

I appreciate your insight!

 

[b.loree]

Nice find Bryan!

 

[pickelhauben]

Very nice
I have a few felts but only about three of them are rolled.

 

[USMC-EOD]

Wow, Pickelhauben!

You must have a lot of felt helmets! I know they are tough to find on the loose. I only have 5 or 6. I am just grateful a buddy of mine hung onto it for me and offered it to me cheap.

I like the felt ersatz because there is so much variety and nuance between between many of them.

I appreciate your comments.

You too, Brian! Thanks.