U.S. Cavalry Model 1881 Officer’s Dress Helmet by M.C. Lilley & Co, c.1885

Price available on inquiry

ID: WC-14650

U.S. Cavalry officer’s dress helmet made by M.C. Lilley & Co. in Columbus, Ohio. The helmet follows the 1881 Army pattern used for formal ceremonies. The body is black felt over cork with a leather brim and green underside. The fittings are gilt brass. The plume base is shaped with oak leaves and holds a yellow horsehair plume. The finial has an engraved U.S. shield and star. The front plate shows the American eagle with a cross on its shield. This cross replaces the standard regimental numeral. That detail points to a state militia or ceremonial officer who ordered a custom plate. The yellow plume and gold braid confirm Cavalry branch. Both side buttons show crossed sabers. The gilt chain chinstrap connects at these buttons. Inside, the leather sweatband is stamped “THE M.C. LILLEY & CO. MANUFACTURERS COLUMBUS, OHIO.” The number tag “45” equals a U.S. size 7 to 7¼. Two inscriptions appear under the band. The name “Berthe” in ink, and the pencil mark “18X.” After the Civil War, the U.S. Army reorganized into a smaller professional force serving across the Western frontier. By the 1870s, the Cavalry became the Army’s most active branch. Troopers fought in the Indian Wars, protected settlers and railroads, and patrolled the expanding western territories. Officers in these mounted regiments were required to purchase their own dress uniforms and equipment, including formal headgear for parades and inspections. The Model 1881 Dress Helmet replaced the earlier 1872 pattern. It became the regulation full-dress headgear for all Army branches, including the Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry. The design drew influence from European ceremonial helmets, using a cork body covered in black cloth or felt, a brass front plate with the Arms of the United States, and a colored horsehair plume that identified each branch. Yellow indicated Cavalry, red indicated Artillery, and white indicated Infantry. Cavalry officers wore the Model 1881 only for formal events such as reviews, inspections, and parades. It was not used in field service. The helmet represented authority and tradition within a professionalized post-war Army. Many state militias and National Guard cavalry troops adopted similar helmets, often ordering them directly from uniform manufacturers. During the 1880s, mounted troops existed both in the Regular Army and in state volunteer cavalry regiments. In peacetime, they trained part-time, served in ceremonial roles, and provided a ready reserve in case of conflict. When the Spanish-American War began in 1898, many of these state units entered federal service. By then, the Model 1881 had already become a symbol of pre-war Army dress, worn by officers who valued formal appearance and military precision. The Model 1881 replaced the 1872 pattern and was worn for full dress occasions only. Cavalry officers used yellow plumes, Infantry used white, and Artillery used red. Officers purchased these helmets privately through outfitters such as M.C. Lilley. The design was formal and represented the peak of late 19th century U.S. Army dress. Condition is near mint. The felt surface is strong with minor edge wear on the brim. Brass fittings have even patina. The plume is complete and retains strong color. The interior shows use but remains sound.