November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/7/2018
Extra quality throughout with gold plated metal components. Deluxe eagle plate with applique crossed sabers surmounted with a shield is affixed to the front of the helmet. A large silver "9" is attached to the center of shield. All components are as prescribed for the Model 1881 dress helmet and are original to the helmet. Black cloth covered pressed felt body is perfect. Brown leather sweatband and beige helmet lining of either silk or satin material. Original officer grade chin chain, crown plate, gilded chest cords, plume holder and yellow yak hair plume are present. Included are a pair of Model 1872 staff officer's shoulder paddles displaying Lt Col rank insignia, no buttons, reverse cloth replaced and a pair of gilded spurs marked "Maxwell London", housed within their original velvet lined leather case. Also included is a pay voucher given to Major J.F. Wade, 9th Cavalry in 1874. Helmet enclosed in black japanned carrying case. The 9th Cavalry was one of a few segregated African American regiments, formed in 1866 and later dubbed "Buffalo Soldiers". The 9th Cavalry was stationed at Fort Riley Kansas in 1881, and transferred to Fort Robinson, Nebraska, in 1885. On November 5, 1887, Company H, of the 9th Cavalry fought at the Battle of Crow Agency during the Crow War, at Crow Agency, Montana. In 1898, the 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders at the battles of Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill. Later, they served as his honor guard during his visit to San Francisco. In 1899 and again in 1904, the 9th Cavalry patrolled Yosemite National Park joining other cavalry and infantry as the first "rangers" of the park system. CONDITION: Helmet shows minor wear to the sweatband and lining, exterior is in excellent condition. From the Ray Bentley Collection.
Item Dimensions: Case:11 - 1/2" x 9" x 15 - 1/2".