Giant Pith Helmet Thread of Doom

[totallyfrozen]

The ones I get from Asia are Pith - Typically Vietnam are Pith ( but without seeing the hat you are looking at I cannot say for sure) , highly unlikely would be cork as Pith was introduced historically as shipping cork from Europe was too expensive - so a local alternative Pith was used.

It may be the same material but merely different prices, or styles, some makers are more costly that others.

With my modern versions Cotton is usual covering on top, with a cardboard/paperboard material in between for smoothness. As such I would not dunk/soak a pith-helmet due to any interlining. But if you are willing to experiment happy to hear any results !

Use - longevity depends on how often you use them and the maker. too open a question.

I own a quite a few - worn in Summer and typically at Polo Events as a social headgear. People often interested in them.

Water resistance - you can always cover the cloth with water resistant sprays. I understand that in history that the marines may have used a diluted mixture of paint.

The Jaunty Hat from CP Mills http://www.militaryorphanpress.com/ has a lot of history

After using a couple genuine pith helmets for a couple years, I'd like to weigh in again and revise some of my initial comments. Namely, I'm not sure where the idea (myth?) of soaking or drenching the pith helmet originated, but I'm sure it's in error. My helmets are made in Vietnam from pith covered with thin strips of cork for shape and added firmness (I assume) then covered in cotton twill. Sola pith may stand up to water better than straw or felt; however, I don't think the original intent was to soak the hat. I've found that dunking, soaking, or drenching the pith helmet causes deformation and deterioration. Pith swells, like a sponge, when wet. Then shrinks as it dries. It never dries exactly as it was before it was soaked. Have you ever seen particle board or even a kitchen sponge after it's soaked then dries? It doesn't look like new anymore. Likewise, the result is the cotton twill covering is stretched. When the helmet dries, you're left with a wrinkled, bubbled appearance. Also if the twill fabric is not colorfast, you'll have color bleeding and staining. Also, if any glues used during manufacture are water soluble, you'll have added deterioration and deformation. Ideally, you want the helmet to ride off of the scalp suspended by the head harness to allow maximum airflow. My practice is to wet my hair (not the helmet) prior to donning it. Then as the helmet catches the breeze, it keeps me cooler. The goal is to have a chilled head, not a chilled helmet. If you have a genuine pith and/or cork helmet, I'd advise AGAINST soaking, drenching, or wetting it. It's almost certainly a myth! At the time and places these were in common use, water was scarce. It's not logical that soldiers would have wasted precious water (that they needed to drink) by pouring it over their helmets. A pith helmet can tolerate rain better than a straw hat, but why intentionally wet it given the risks? The upside for hat sellers is they'll sell more helmets as customers seek to replace the ones that wear out prematurely. As I write this, the temperatures here have been around 106 degrees. After drenching my shirt and my hair, I put on one of my piths and was able to dig a 4 foot hole with a shovel and plant a tree all while remaining fairly comfortable.

 

[totallyfrozen]

Closest I found to a Bombay bomber is the Indian style pith helmet. Here is one I would recommend.
http://www.villagehatshop.com/product/all/451139-6097/indian-pith-helmet-big-head-version.html...If you wear a 7 3/8 or bigger defiantly get the "big head" version.
Johnny.

I advise folks to take it a step down. My official (military) hat size is 7-1/4. So I ordered the standard sized pith helmet. My forehead touches the front of the crown causing my sweat to absorb through the helmet and stain the puggaree on the outside. It also impedes airflow a bit, and as we know, airflow is the whole point and purpose of the pith helmet.

So I'd say if you're a 7-1/4 or larger, get the Big Head version. I recently ordered one and hope the size difference is enough to keep the helmet off my head.



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[totallyfrozen]

I feel like I'm the only one keeping this thread alive. I can't be the only one who understands and appreciates the sun helmet.
So...let's see 'em.
Show them if you've got them.

Mine's a bit of a mess from use and modification.
Dirt:

Sweat stains:

And modifications:

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[johnnycanuck]

Totallyfrozen that how I usually feel posting to this thread. So I will join you. I have four pith helmets. British and Indian.

they are fun but don't get good actual use.
Next are the French and Wolseley

The French has seen more practical use than any if my pith helmets. The plastic brackets snapped holding the sweat band in place so I added weather stripping and glued the sweat band to it.

But my newest one is the Wolseley. Trying not to get it dirty but it seems to be a loosing battle. With that said the higher crown allows for more air movement and is a lit cooler a breezy summer days.

I added foam weatherstripping to keep the sweatband off the helmet. I also added shoelaces to create a suspension inside the crown.
Hope that is of interest to someone.
Johnny



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[belfastboy]

I have a pith helmet from India that I would gladly send to a good home. Will send for the cost of the postage and if you are willing to wait til mid August will mail from a US address to save money and customs hassle. The helmet is in good shape. I bought it when I was the costume master for "Arsenic and Old Lace" and kept it as a souvenier but never wear it so needs to go to a good home. Send me a PM with your email address and will send some pics to you

 

[Mr. Godfrey]

I have a pith helmet from India that I would gladly send to a good home. Will send for the cost of the postage and if you are willing to wait til mid August will mail from a US address to save money and customs hassle. The helmet is in good shape. I bought it when I was the costume master for "Arsenic and Old Lace" and kept it as a souvenier but never wear it so needs to go to a good home. Send me a PM with your email address and will send some pics to you

Now that's a bargain!. Sir, you are true gent and lover of the pith helmet.

 

[fireman]

I have a pith helmet from India that I would gladly send to a good home. Will send for the cost of the postage and if you are willing to wait til mid August will mail from a US address to save money and customs hassle. The helmet is in good shape. I bought it when I was the costume master for "Arsenic and Old Lace" and kept it as a souvenier but never wear it so needs to go to a good home. Send me a PM with your email address and will send some pics to you

Hi,

I sent you a pm....please let me know if you got it.

thanks!

 

[totallyfrozen]

Given the purpose of pith helmets (i.e. sun helmets), I thought this information was relevant and might be helpful.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/what-does-extreme-heat-do-to-the-human-body/70002105

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weat...ty-make-hot-days-feel-more-miserable/70002207


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[Vampyre Master]

why not buy mine http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172920187165?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

vm

 

[Blackthorn]

I love the look of pith helmets, I just don't own any. Yet.

 

[Vampyre Master]

I love the look of pith helmets, I just don't own any. Yet.

well you can buy a repro but they are cheap and nasty you cant beat a real one xx

 

[johnnycanuck]

Just found this web page that sells some cool Pith Helmets.
https://www.ima-usa.com/pages/search-results?q=pith&page_num=2
johnny

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Just found this web page that sells some cool Pith Helmets.
https://www.ima-usa.com/pages/search-results?q=pith&page_num=2
johnny

Some eye watering prices! Yikes!


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[M Hatman]

Some eye watering prices! Yikes!


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Welcome to the world of militaria !!!!
M

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Welcome to the world of militaria !!!!
M

Not a world I want to get sucked into. I have enough vices.
Brent

 

[Ticklishchap]

I'm afraid I'm starting, just tentatively, to want one of these. And with me, interests like this turn into obsessions, as my ridiculously large collection of commando sweaters and Guernseys testifies.

 

[fireman]

Has anyone bought the Mil Tec pith helmet? I'm thinking about one of these but I have not found a picture of the headband/liner and was wondering what it looked like.

Thanks!

 

[johnnycanuck]

It’s that time of year again. Crazy hot yard work. Time to break out hot weather head gear.

Johnny


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[johnnycanuck]

Some yard work done. Now to think if a Sunday pick-me-up.

Johnny


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[1961MJS]

I can't believe some of you would hesitate to wear your pith helmets in public.

It may look silly wearing one to the office or down a city street, because that's not the environment it was designed for. But I have no problem wearing mine sailboating, canoeing, hiking, or any other outdoor activity where I need good suncover.

It only starts to look odd if you try to compliment it with a safari jacket and jodphurs.

Hi
While realizing that this is an 11 year old post, wearing a Pith helmet and Safari jacket downtown cracked me up. I commonly wear what's effectively a Spanish American war roughrider hat, or 1880 era US Army fatigue hat. I took my 28 year old daughter to the zoo while wearing tan shorts, deck shoes, a tan shirt, and the tan felt hat. I got a LOT of weird looks and it took a few hours to work out that I was dressed as a Professional Hunter.

Later