Help with Helmet Identification

mahratt · 10th October 2013, 06:09 PM

The version of Sudanese origin seems to me to be correct.

Runjeet Singh · 10th October 2013, 09:41 PM

Hi Charles,

I am not sure if is OK to post this link - but it is sold - so I hope it's OK.

I have been told that these helmets were made in Birmingham, England (my birthplace!) and exported to Africa. I'm still looking for a source to verify this.

Be sure to click the link at the bottom of the page which shows a similar helmet which was captured by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Royal Warwickshire) at the battle of Omdurman (Sudan) 1898. It is complete with it's thick curtain like lining.

Regards,
Runjeet

In this forum please post a photo only and not a link to a sales site. If you want to post a link to your website do so in the swap forum.

Robert

CharlesS · 10th October 2013, 10:43 PM

Thanks for the input guys.

Runjeet, that one you have shown us is identical for all practical purposes.

The British affiliation would certainly explain the very finished look that I would not have expected on Sudanese armor. It is likely a machined helmet as no hammer marks are visible.

ariel · 11th October 2013, 02:24 AM

A+ to Mahratt!

Runjeet Singh · 11th October 2013, 06:52 PM

Hi Charles, All,

Here is the description from a similar helmet I have had in the past:

Scarce 19th Century Sudanese Helmet. Of large proportions, probably worn with a small turban or with padding on the head.

A large and deep steel bowl, of two piece construction, terminating with a faceted knob finial.

A long nasal guard, with a typical screw fastening to hold it in place. A complete camail with double ring maile in an interlocking pattern. Some traces of silver paint where a previous owner has decorated the helmet. A rare and impressive item.

For a similar example please see P.149, Splendeur Des Armes Orientales (Ricketts/Missilier) 1988. There is also a similar example shown in at St Johns House Museum, Warwick, England.

Overall Height: 22in (560mm)
Bowl diameter: 8 1/4in(210mm)

I attach photos of my helmet and the one from the St Johns Museum.

Regards,
Runjeet

Runjeet Singh · 11th October 2013, 06:53 PM

Photos attached.

CharlesS · 11th October 2013, 07:45 PM

Thanks for your efforts here Runjeet!

10th October 2013, 09:41 PM	#2
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	Hi Charles, I am not sure if is OK to post this link - but it is sold - so I hope it's OK. I have been told that these helmets were made in Birmingham, England (my birthplace!) and exported to Africa. I'm still looking for a source to verify this. Be sure to click the link at the bottom of the page which shows a similar helmet which was captured by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Royal Warwickshire) at the battle of Omdurman (Sudan) 1898. It is complete with it's thick curtain like lining. Regards, Runjeet In this forum please post a photo only and not a link to a sales site. If you want to post a link to your website do so in the swap forum. Robert Last edited by Robert; 11th October 2013 at 05:38 AM.

11th October 2013, 06:53 PM	#6
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	Photos attached. Attached Images

10th October 2013, 06:09 PM	#1
mahratt Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Russia Posts: 1,042	The version of Sudanese origin seems to me to be correct.

10th October 2013, 10:43 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks for the input guys. Runjeet, that one you have shown us is identical for all practical purposes. The British affiliation would certainly explain the very finished look that I would not have expected on Sudanese armor. It is likely a machined helmet as no hammer marks are visible.

11th October 2013, 02:24 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	A+ to Mahratt!

11th October 2013, 06:52 PM	#5
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	Hi Charles, All, Here is the description from a similar helmet I have had in the past: Scarce 19th Century Sudanese Helmet. Of large proportions, probably worn with a small turban or with padding on the head. A large and deep steel bowl, of two piece construction, terminating with a faceted knob finial. A long nasal guard, with a typical screw fastening to hold it in place. A complete camail with double ring maile in an interlocking pattern. Some traces of silver paint where a previous owner has decorated the helmet. A rare and impressive item. For a similar example please see P.149, Splendeur Des Armes Orientales (Ricketts/Missilier) 1988. There is also a similar example shown in at St Johns House Museum, Warwick, England. Overall Height: 22in (560mm) Bowl diameter: 8 1/4in(210mm) I attach photos of my helmet and the one from the St Johns Museum. Regards, Runjeet

11th October 2013, 07:45 PM	#7
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks for your efforts here Runjeet!