1878 Pattern British Home Service Helmet circa 1901-1914 Army Service Corp

Description

1878 Pattern British Home Service Helmet circa 1901-1914 with Army Service Corp Badge
This is a previously used British Home Service Helmet, likely used as a full-dress helmet between 1901 and 1914.  It was manufactured by G.E. Carrington, and according to his business ad placed in
The Royal Engineers Journal
October
1910 edition,
he was
"for many years
Master Tailor, Royal Engineers"
.
Attached inside the top part of the helmet is a leather identifying tag that reads "
G.E. Carrington Military Outfitter 53, High Street Old Brompton, Kent
", imprinted in gold lettering.
The front plate bares the King's Crown, also called the Tudor Crown, which appears to be gilded, and the center of the badge has the initials ASC (Army Service Corp) in dark
grey metal on a red velvet backing.
There is a spike on the top plate and rosette fittings attach the plate to the top of the helmet.  The chin strap, with its intact black velvet lining, is in very good condition and is attached to either side of the helmet by rosette patterned hooked-fasteners.
The metal bar that runs down the back of the helmet is sturdy and firmly attached, as is the metal strapping that edges the front and wraps around to the middle of each side.
We believe the helmet is constructed of cork - covered in black fabric. There is a fabric band, also in black, that is attached where the visor meets the bowl, and incircles the whole helmet. The stitching on this band is also in great condition, tight and intact.
Note, in the second photo showing the left-side view of the helmet, the leather edging has about a 4mm piece missing.  However, it does not cut into the stitches or compromise the strength of the edging.  There are two other tiny scratches on the leather edging that do not show up in these photos.
The interior is in great condition with the stitching all in place and with fasteners that appear to be original to the helmet. There are wear marks (sweat marks) on the leather sweat band. The silk liner is missing, but the stitching on the leather band is still tight and strong with no breaks.  The underside of the visor section is clean with just a few signs of wear, and is a stunning shade of green.
This helmet was purchased by my husband from
Grenadier Guards
in New York City in the mid-1980's for his private collection.
Additional photos or close ups available on request.