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DanielLockhart · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 2:07 am Post subject: Pith Helmet

Greetings all,

I finally received a pith helmet from Gold Wire Badge the other day and was supprised to see it was made of resin and not pith. Anyone know when it was changed? It seems heavier that another pith helmet I have (more like the 24th Reg. style which is not as large brim) and appears that it would be a bit more warm during the summer months.

lesbryan · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 2:28 am Post subject:

Just make sure its still got its ball|.you never know

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General Melchett · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:18 am Post subject:

Daniel,
Firstly, without wanting to patronise - You do know the difference between the "Pith" helmet and the Wolseley Pattern Helmet?

The "Pith" is still in use by some ARMY Regts to this day - NOT the RM.
"Pith Helmet" is a colloquialism employed by RM's to describe their Helmet.

The "Wolseley Pattern Helmet" was adopted after the merging of the RMA and RMLI in 1923, where they adopted the headgear of the RMA - viz, the "Pith" Helmet, this lasted until the late (I have no date) 20's early 30's where it was replaced by the "Wolseley Pattern"

The "Wolsey Pattern was originally made from pith, but has mainly been made from cork and more recently synthetics (since the late 80's). However, there are a new batch of Helmets just out that are returning to an older "style" and manufacture.
Hope this helps, I cannot find a date for the change from pith to Wolsey - anyone?
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DanielLockhart · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:58 pm Post subject:

I did not know the difference, thank you for the clarification. I will continue my research and hopefully I will be able to find a photo of grandpa in his parade dress. I'm suspecting that he would have been wearing a true pith as he was in during the 1920's. Either way I have both the styles, the ball (I'm assuming the ball has not changed", and the chin strap.

Daniel

MrJpig · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:15 pm Post subject:

RAB · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:23 pm Post subject:

MrJpig · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:29 pm Post subject:

:smt046 COME ON YOU........YOU.......ARGH!!!!!

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Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:51 pm Post subject:

RAB · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject:

[quote="Aaron Aardvark
Cobblers..... you tartan balled old soak....hic

[/quote]

Now that's just about the kindest thing you've ever said to me...

General Melchett · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:23 pm Post subject:

Daniel,
The original "pith" would not have been surmounted by a ball top, merely a brass rounded plate and spike. The same as is used by the ARMY today.
http://www.army.mod.uk/bands/queen_s_minden_band/Downloads.htm
Will give you an idea of a pith helmet and an idea of a red jacket RMLI uniform circa 1920.
If you trawl this site you will find numerous references / pictures of to-days RM.
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Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:34 pm Post subject:

...and in times of emergency they are great for throwing up in or having a whizz in. Now they are synthetic, they are waterproof.

RAB · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:37 pm Post subject:

Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1811

Matt white paint, 50% paint-50% water... applied with a sponge
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Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:42 pm Post subject:

should get that paint that goes on pink then turns white. So you dont miss a bit wahhhhhhh