M1881, HELMET SPIKE AND OAK LEAF BASE, PRIVATE PURCHASE, INTERLOCKING SET WITH REMOVABLE SPIKE, DISMOUNTED

While this was not a regulation design, these interlocking spike and base sets are known to have been available during the period the Model 1881 Dress Helmets were worn by the regular army and state militia officers.  This design must have had a genuine appeal to the officers who were required to purchase their own uniforms and fittings, and when doing so, could avail themselves of improved designs such as offered in this set.  When storing their dress helmets for movement between assignments, having the ability to remove the spike from the helmet to prevent damage to the felt helmet body was certainly a benefit. 

This set is in like new condition, showing no signs of wear or age.  The tabs on the spike which engage the slots in the base are both present and three sets of attaching wires are present on the underside of the base.  

This is a nice set that is not commonly found and it would make a good addition to a helmet display or to complete an officer’s dress helmet.