1st New York Cavalry M1881 Spiked Helmet

Model 1881 spike helmet of pressed felt with Federal eagle front plate insignia, Cavalry side buttons. The interior with leather sweatband, and with visor facings. Interior with wear, exterior in excellent condition. Used from 1881 – 1902. The Model 1881 Dress Helmet was worn only for full dress events. The helmet evolved from the earlier Model 1872 helmets worn only by the Cavalry, Light Artillery and Signal Corps. In 1881, the new helmet design was adopted for use by all enlisted troops and for officers of the Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery. (General and Staff officers continued to wear a chapeau de bra as they had for many years…) For enlisted troops, the helmet was made of black felt, while officers could buy a helmet of black cloth over a cork or felt base. Atop the helmet of all mou...