Giant Pith Helmet Thread of Doom

[fireman]

My head officially qualifies as a "keg-head." I normally wear a 7 3/4. This one was tagged as an XL. I still have a little room in it. My son got it from Village Hats in the UK, https://www.hatsandcaps.co.uk/pith-helmets-c_pith_helmets/

I have parking lot duty at church this Sunday. I'm thinking of wearing this one. Does Victorian Empire headwear go with Hawaiian shirts?

Everything goes with a Hawaiian shirt.

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

A British Foreign Service helmet worn on American Independence Day, either hilariously ironic or a wildly inappropriate political statement. I'll let you decide.

Either way, it looks good in a Hawaiian shirt.

 

[johnnycanuck]

A British Foreign Service helmet worn on American Independence Day, either hilariously ironic or a wildly inappropriate political statement. I'll let you decide.

Either way, it looks good in a Hawaiian shirt.

View attachment 345010

Looking good my friend. But the American armed forces are not as much a stranger to the Pith Helmet as most would think.
http://www.militarysunhelmets.com/2018/the-tale-of-a-surplus-us-m1887-summer-helmet#more-19426
fun read and a great source of sun helmet history if that sort of thing floats your boat.
Happy fourth and I hope your day was filled with fun and celebrations.
Johnny

 

[1961MJS]

A British Foreign Service helmet worn on American Independence Day, a hilariously ironic wildly inappropriate political statement.

Either way, it looks good in a Hawaiian shirt.

Hi
I fixed it, it's both.
Later

 

[johnnycanuck]

Pith helmets to buy


Here is a little on line user guide to pith helmets and the qualities that are available right now.


First Is the standard Vietnamese offerings. In North America the big vendor is



https://www.villagehatshop.com/category/84/1/pith-helmets.html


In the UK/Europe they have the same company but different web page


https://www.hatsandcaps.co.uk/pith-helmets-c_pith_helmets/


Another North American outlet that seems to offer larger sizes and more detailed reproductions is these guys. The p-1871 helmet seems to come in larger sizes. At least larger than 7 3/8 and has a more elaborate sweat band.


https://www.ima-usa.com/pages/searc...from_to","15.00-110.00"]]&disable_semantics=1


These guys have been around for years and carry varying styles. They also carry S, M, L sizes so helps get a better fit.



https://tagsafari.com/search?q=Pith


Stetson has come out with several versions over the year but availability is sporadic.


Lock and co. Offers one right now in the UK.


https://www.lockhatters.com/products/pith-helmet?_pos=1&_sid=374e29c2b&_ss=r


Another UK company that currently has no offering but historically does is ascot top hats.


https://www.ascot-tophats.co.uk


Last is a gentleman called Nat Sooy. He seems to be the go to guy for accurate hand made British foreign service helmets. He is very popular in the re-enactors groups.


https://www.regimental-quartermaster.com/foreign-service-helmets.html


Thought I would try and get all the options I can find in one post. Hope that helps anybody out there.


Disclaimer: I have only ordered one helmet from the village hat shop in the last decade. I am not endorcing any of these company’s/web pages just bringing it to the communities attention. These products seem to be elusive and having a list is way easier to make purchasing decisions.


Johnny

 

[fireman]

Great post Johhny! Thanks!!

I have the IMA P1871 in Khaki. It is a good basic pith but on my 7-1/2 or so size noggin, it is tight. I have the head band as loose as possible and it fits ok but the metal studs that the liner attaches to hit my head and can get uncomfortable.

 

[johnnycanuck]

Great post Johhny! Thanks!!

I have the IMA P1871 in Khaki. It is a good basic pith but on my 7-1/2 or so size noggin, it is tight. I have the head band as loose as possible and it fits ok but the metal studs that the liner attaches to hit my head and can get uncomfortable.

I have a foreign service helmet from the Village Hat Shop that is too small and I too am a size 7 1/2. I was hoping to find a source that would fit me. When I order one I may contact first to see if they can check the size.
Johnny

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

I'm a 7 3/4. My son bought my Foreign Service Helmet from Hatsandcaps.co.uk in the UK. It fit's me fine. I would recommend them for those of us with keg-heads. BTW, you can't fit all these good looks into a small head.

 

[johnnycanuck]

Another summer is starting to come to a close. It’s getting cooler at night. Sun is going down earlier and earlier every day. If the long term forecast can be believed this may be the last nice weekend of the year. So the piths will be put away for another year except for the last few lawn mowing and clean ups. Here is a vintage one I received from belfastboy last year. Not the best at sun protection but vary Rene Belloq / Frank Buck (bring em back alive)

Johnny

 

[fireman]

I like that one.....Winston Churchill would approve.

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

Lookin' good Johnny. Come down to Texas, we have several more months of hot weather. I remember sweating in my Halloween costume as a kid.

I've been hunting for a Bombay Bowler. I did find this company over the weekend. It looks like they manufacture pith helmets (and terracotta pots, strange combination) in Viet Nam. I've emailed them for pricing but haven't heard back yet. I'll let you know what I hear. Hopefully they speak Hovitos.

 

[johnnycanuck]

Just came across this video. Primarily about Conical hats but you can see the rowers actually wear pith helmets as daily wear for sun protection.

I do wonder if it’s the same quality we find at thevillagehatshop.com or if they have higher quality sources.
Johnny

 

[BobHufford]

I’ve been keeping an eye out for a pith helmet with vintage tractor branding (Ford/Dearborn, A-C or I-H), but they apparently are wanted by folks with more “liquid” funds than me. I might just have to slap a repop sticker on Grandpas old helmet.

 

[johnnycanuck]

I’ve been keeping an eye out for a pith helmet with vintage tractor branding (Ford/Dearborn, A-C or I-H), but they apparently are wanted by folks with more “liquid” funds than me. I might just have to slap a repop sticker on Grandpas old helmet.

View attachment 382577

I read a postal service guy collected stickers from local businesses and stuck them to his sun helmet. Just used a clear coat to seal them in so they wouldn’t wear off.
johnny

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

1st wear of the season. 90* on Sunday.

 

[fireman]

Nice! It is 24 degrees out, snow, sleet and freezing rain tonight. :<

I'm not wearing one for a couple of months.

 

[johnnycanuck]

1st wear of the season. 90* on Sunday.

Sweet. What make and model it that one. Looks good on you. You do the pug yourself?
Johnny

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

It's a pressed fiber sun helmet that I picked up about 10 years ago from Goodwill. I think it has a USN (navy) stamp in it somewhere. I bought two for about $10 ea. I gave one to my wife for our annual hat party. I'll look for a pic of hers.

Yes, I folded the pug to give it some flair. I'm proud of it. Thanks

 

[johnnycanuck]

Dreaming of hot summer days

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

I love the baby Yoda Hawaiian shirt, Johnny. That's fantastic.

Here is a pic of my wife's pith. It's a bit more feminine.