(2) U.S. Army Spike Helmets, One Summer Pat. 1899

Lot description

(lot of 2)  U.S. Army Spike Helmets:  (1) U.S. Army Summer Spike Helmet, Infantry, also known as the "Cork" helmet, the front shield with the American Eagle, E Pluribus Unum banner and Federal shield, buttons at right and left with crossed rifles, the interior with light green cloth and retains a small circular label reading "Patented May 2, 1899", a size "7" label at sweat band, the sweat band is sewn to circular pieces of cork that are affixed to the helmet body, some verdigris on front shield and side buttons, fabric tear at rear cloth, exterior with brown spots, helmet overall approx. 11.25" x 11/25" x 8.25";  (1) U.S. Army Infantry M1881 Dress spike helmet generally in poor condition with substantial loss to exterior black fabric, the front shield depicts the American Eagle holding the E Pluribus Unum banner above the Federal shield, infantry button at each side, the interior spike section is marked "Ridabock & Co. formerly Baker & McKenney, 141 Grand St New York",  the interior lining hand initialed "F.T. and stenciled "51" , lacks sweat band, overall approx. 10.25" x 10.25" x 7" Provenance: Collection of T'Odon Charles (Chuck) Leshikar, Jr., (Texas,1946-2020), Vietnam, U.S. Army Lt. ,“Delta Raiders,” D Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, later Echo Company commander, Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, Soldiers Medal, Purple Heart. More information including the Silver Star citation see:  https://toddshistory.com/?cat=12