It is well established – as we’ve noted in past articles – that the United States Marine Corp has long utilized sun helmets. The pressed fiber examples were likely based on the British “Standard Pattern” and continue to be used even today.

What is less understood is when and more importantly where the Corps used the Model 1887/89 pattern sun helmets. It has been argued by collectors that the USMC may have adopted its own helmets – which were similar to the Model 1881 helmets that were utilized by some National Guard and State Militia units. It is true that the USMC Band helmets are close to those designs. Continue reading →