Original U.S. Spanish-American War Era Army Model 1889 Summer Tropical Sun Helmet - Dated 1899 Snider Rifle Parts a belt buckle

a belt buckle

It is complete with reproduction officers Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap lugs

though it seems one of the springs for the barrel release is weak or missing

and a 101st Airborne Division patch on the left shoulder also with correct wartime stitching

Original U.S. Spanish-American War Era Army Model 1889 Summer Tropical Sun Helmet - Dated 1899 Snider Rifle Parts a belt buckleOriginal Item: One Only. This is a fantastic Spanish American war era sun helmet with very light staining present, a rarity! Much like our European cousins in the 1880s, the U. S. Army started to adopt sun helmets, especially for use during the hot summer months. These saw active service in the Spanish American War of 1898, especially in the tropical climate in Cuba. While often called "Pith Helmets", the U. S. variety was usually made of cork