This is an Other Ranks WHITE 1871-1884 Era Foreign Service Pith Helmet REPLICA.    This is a replica based on a cross section of several historical examples and is of excellent quality.  Please read carefully.
 
The helmet is constructed of a thicker than normal pith shell, slightly heavier than cork, but much stronger and durable.   Over all thickness is 3/8" or 9.3 mm.  It is lined with green cotton broadcloth headliner and covered outside with the correct pattern 6 panel white cotton drill fabric.  The helmet has a soft leather sweat band.  I have an assortment of sizes from 57-61cm.  Please message on checkout.  Leather colour of sweat bands and chinstrap are various shades of brown and very supple.  This is the Other Ranks version with the cloth edge binding and basic leather liner.  See my other listings for the Officer's khaki and leather version and the later khaki version of this helmet. This helmet features a bit more rounded profle consistent with the Zulu wars period and colonial universal pattern.
 
There were a lot of variations as there were a lot of different makers historically, so this helmet represents an earlier cross section of features and shape to fit "most" historical scenarios.
 
Prior to 1884 the white helmets were covered with mud, tea, coffee, curry powder etc,  and in 1884 patented dyestuff was used to colour the white helmets. Khaki covers were widely used as well preserving the white helmet under it for parade duties.   
 
The mannequin head in the images fits a size 7 or a Small to medium or 22 inches/56 cm circumference.  
 
The helmet is waterproof and will not run or sag. They are made of pith wood and so care should be taken when transporting.   Cleaning is done by allowing any blemish, dust or dirt to dry and then brushing with a stiff bristle brush to raise the knap.  The helmets do attract dust and can be vacuumed off as well. They may be coloured with a good quality waterproof flat milk paint.
 
Height is adjusted by tightening the string and chin strap and the circumference can be reduced by adding some padding behind the leather sweat band.  I recommend wool felt strips to soak up sweat in hot weather.  The helmet appears very round in the pictures because it has not been formed to anyone's head.  Pith helmets have to be "sweated" into shape.  This can be achieved by steaming the helmet lightly and either wearing or pressing gently between two heavy objects.  They breath quite well in hot weather.  
 
The helmet has a functioning ventilator made in zinc and brass and removable for storage and transport.  Included with this helmet is a leather chinstrap, with brass slider buckle and is adjustable.  Two internal hooks hold this in place.   The chin strap can be worn up or down.