1830's Leather Militia Helmet Restoration Help

[Scarecrow]

I recently acquired this 1830's leather militia helmet.  I would like to get it restored to it's former glory.  The body of the helmet is solid and in good shape.  However someone made an awful attempt at replacing the crown.  In addition the brass eagle plate is loose and in need of reattaching and the helmet needs the sweatband liner replaced.  Does anyone here know of a person/place that does leather military helmet restoration?  All I can find from an internet search is fire helmet restoration services.  Any leads greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

 

 

 

 

[KurtA]

I’d leave the sweatband as-is.  For something that old, I’d much prefer a damaged original sweatband over  a pristine replacement.  

[Scarecrow]

1 hour ago, KurtA said:

I’d leave the sweatband as-is.  For something that old, I’d much prefer a damaged original sweatband over  a pristine replacement.  

Thanks Kurt.  On second thought you are right and should leave the liner/sweatband as is.  However the top has to go.  It a very bad job that someone tried to glue in and they didn't even make a it perfect circle, it's more an oblong shape.  So would like to engage a pro to redo the top and secure the eagle plate.  The bear skin is even is good shape.  Just think this one is worthy of restoration.

[KurtA]

I would think a fire helmet restorer would be able to handle the exterior leather restoration. 
Definitely worth doing for such a nice helmet 

[Scarecrow]

Thought I'd follow up on this this thread with an "After" photo.  Found someone who does restorations and am very happy with his efforts and the results.  Thanks for looking.

 

[Nack]

Wow.  Looks great! 

[Scarecrow]

2 hours ago, Nack said:

Wow.  Looks great! 

Thanks Nack!

[Yankee In Gray]

As you already know, it's a militia helmet, to be more specific it's a dragoon helmet, due to the eagle and sunburst which were also seen on the dress uniform of the US dragoons at the time.

[Scarecrow]

Thanks Yankee In Gray!  Info much appreciated!  

[Tolzer]

Who did the restoration? Job well done!

[Scarecrow]

21 hours ago, Tolzer said:

Who did the restoration? Job well done!

The gentleman's name is Richard Listenberger.  Per his card:  "Restoration Services - Militaria, Antiquities & Collectibles"

He is in NC,  Website -   www.historicmarketing.com    Email - richard@historicmarketing.com

 

Super nice guy, fast turn around, and excellent work!

[Tolzer]

Thank you Scarecrow for posting this resource.

 

We do have a nice Indian Wars Cavalry helmet that needs a small repair.

[kfields]

Oh WOW, that looks great! I was unaware these types were worn in the U.S.

I'm also interested in the eagle front plate figure. It made me dig out an eagle cross belt plate I picked up over 15 years ago at a gunshow. The eagle looks very similar. I've always thought the belt plate was strictly a French thing but maybe not?

 

[ConnecticutHistorian]

On 12/28/2024 at 12:02 PM, Yankee In Gray said:

As you already know, it's a militia helmet, to be more specific it's a dragoon helmet, due to the eagle and sunburst which were also seen on the dress uniform of the US dragoons at the time.

I'm not actually entirely sure I'd agree with that!

So, while I don't know the provenance on the example posted by scarecrow, his matches that I viewed earlier this year at the Connecticut State Library. The one at CSL is in rougher shape, but the provenance is that it belonged to an Asa Bailey out of Higganum, Connecticut and was from ca. 1835. This would line up with the other items donated alongside it (a knapsack which is currently MIA and a 24 round cartridge box).

Higganum, part of the town of Haddam, was host to a Battalion company company in the 7th Militia Regiment and the 2nd Flank Company of the 7th. A decade prior to the Bailey examples, the 1st and 2nd Flank Companies of the 7th Regiment were wearing a "Leather cap trimmed with a piece of bearskin across the top, from front to rear, leather frontispiece with a white spread eagle on the same, and a red feather on the left side."1 Based on other flank company descriptions, they ended up altering parts of or the entirety of their uniforms after the Adjutant General inquired in 1824, so my suspicion is that the 1st and 2nd Flank Companies of the 7th altered their caps to what you and CSL have between then and ca. 1835.

1:  Brigadier General Dennis Kimberly to Adjutant General George Cowles, 2 April 1824, Record Group 13 Old Series, Box 45: Reports on Uniforms 1824, Connecticut State Library.

[Scarecrow]

Hi Connecticut,

 

Thanks very much for the info.  Looks like you are spot on!  Again thanks for the Id!

[ConnecticutHistorian]

On 8/3/2025 at 6:15 AM, Scarecrow said:

Hi Connecticut,

 

Thanks very much for the info.  Looks like you are spot on!  Again thanks for the Id!

You are very welcome, could not believe to see that at least a second one of those Shakos is still kicking around!