WWI? Era Pith helmet and case

[jholl72]

Hi everyone,

I picked up this pith helmet, case and uniform at auction this weekend.

They belong to Philip de Lacy Deare Passy. His family immigrated to the US around 1880. Philip was born in Nebraska in 1887. By 1901 his family shows up in the census for Kingston Ontario and he is listed as 14 years old.

He enrolled in the Royal Military College in Kingston in 1904 and graduated in 1907. He served in the permanent force Royal Canadian Engineers from 1907 to at least 1927, the date on the helmet tin.

I am currently trying to pull his service file from the archives to flesh out his career. I did search the gazette and came up empty handed.

The uniform dates between 1904-1907, based on his schooling dates.

Can someone please tell me the correct terminology for this style of pith helmet, under what conditions these were worn(dress ocassions, summer conditions??) and what date might this helmet be from(is it 1904, earlier or later)???

There are two holes in the pith for a helmet plate??, what would be the correct one to put on this helmet? I would also be interested in knowing what the correct chinstrap is for this style of helmet so I can restore it?

Also, what is the significance of the cuff design and the markings on the collar?

Thanks,

Jeff

[jholl72]

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[Greg]

I think the tunic is the uniform of RMC Canada Kingston-and the collar insignia are 'cadet ranks or seniority' I cant think where I saw the reference but have seen an illustration. The helmet is the 1878 pattern foreign service helmet. I would expect by the 1920s that the helmet was ceremonial only-the 'active service' pith helmet was the Wolseley with a much broader brim. I wonder if in fact it was also the headress worn by cadets on parade. I would have expected a brass chin chain and possibly a helmet plate. I am sure that one of the Canadian pals will be able to give you more information.

Greg

[jholl72]

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the information. I was able to find some more information online using the correct name for this style of helmet.

I believe he did have this helmet during his RMC days as, they both have the same number written in it 671, which I assume is his cadet number.

Looks like he wore the same helmet throughout his career.

Anyone know where there are original chinstraps and helmet plates for sale??

Thanks,

Jeff

[Greg]

Chinchains should be easy enough I dont think they have changed and there is a comapny in Canada supplying new Wolseley helmets who should be able to supply you with one-the helmet plate is different since it should be an RMC Kingston one. Might be worth contacting them to see what plate they were using at the time. You also asked what the cuff lace meant-I know that it reflected cadet rank so higher ranks got more lace.Seems to have followed British practice from the 1870-90s. Kingston should be able to help you with the particular rank indicated by that amount of lace.

Greg

[jholl72]

Thanks again Greg,

I am in contact with the RMC museum in Kingston and he is willing to help me out with information about the uniform and Passy's time at RMC.

Regards,

Jeff