This is an Other Ranks 1884-1904 Era Foreign Service Pith Helmet REPLICA in khaki/tan or white colour version. This is a replica based on a cross section of several historical examples and is a replicated version of excellent quality. In 1884, there was a slight change in the design and shape of the helmets with a slightly squarish rear brim and more gently pointed front. The photos show this compared to the 1871.
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 khaki/tan cotton broadcloth. The helmet has a soft leather sweat band which fits up to 62 cm or 7 3/4. Leather colour of sweat bands/edging 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 version and the white 1871 version of this helmet.
There were a lot of variations as there were a lot of different makers historically, so this helmet represents a cross section of features and shape to fit "most" historical scenarios.
According to Peter Suciu's book "Military Sun Helmets of The World" Khaki helmets were purpose built for troops at the start of the Boer War and but 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. These helmets are one size fits most but toward the larger sizes due to people being bigger than they were historically.
The helmet is waterproof and will not run or sag. They are made of pith wood and so care should be taken when transporting, when not worn. 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 either steaming lightly and wearing on your head, or pressed from the sides gently between two heavy objects until cool.
The helmet has a functioning ventilator made in 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.