June 20, 2026 Old West & Native American Art Auction in Santa Fe, NM
Lot #1436:
LOT OF 2: US INDIAN WARS CAVALRY MODEL 1881 DRESS HELMETS.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2026
Lot consists of: (A) Solid example of a M1881 cavalry enlisted dress helmet. Composed of a dark blue-black wool cloth pressed over a cork inner body shell. Trimmed with a 1” decorative leather band and ¼” leather visor edging. All brass hardware is present and firmly affixed to the helmet. Federal eagle plate superimposed over a set of crossed sabers with silvered '6', oak leaf designed crown base with plume socket shaft, crossed saber side buttons, plus 2 split rings and small brass decorated bases. The yellow branch of service horsehair plume is intact with nice, bright color. Original worsted wool cords. The sweatband is supple with faint W.M. Horstmann contract stamp on reverse side. Some blemishes on sweatband. Body remains sturdy. (B) M1881 cavalry enlisted dress helmet. Composed of a dark blue-black wool cloth pressed over a cork inner body shell.Trimmed with a 1” decorative leather band and ¼” leather visor edging. All brass hardware is present and firmly affixed to the helmet. Federal eagle plate superimposed over a set of crossed sabers with silvered '3', oak leaf designed crown base with plume socket shaft, crossed saber side buttons, plus 2 split rings and small brass decorated bases. The yellow branch of service horsehair plume is intact with nice, bright color. Original worsted wool cords. The sweatband is supple with a size '7' tag and is stamped: 'CHAS. E. SACKETT INSPECTOR'. Another nice complete example. Included is a copy of Spangenberger from an article from Guns & Ammo magazine wearing the one of the helmets being offered. CONDITION: Very good.
Provenance
Ex Collection of Phil Spangenberger
Item Dimensions: 16" X 12" X 12"