Original U.S. Military International Hat Co. Pressed Fiber Sun Helmet-Dec.31, 1948

Original post-WWII U.S. military pressed fiber tropical sun helmet, commonly called a pith helmet or safari helmet, manufactured by the International Hat Company under U.S. government contract.

The interior retains the important factory/contract marking:

INTERNATIONAL HAT CO.
W30-280-QM-11556
31 DECEMBER 1948

That exact International Hat Company contract and December 31, 1948 date are documented on other surviving U.S. military examples. International Hat was one of the principal manufacturers of the American pressed-fiber sun helmet used by the U.S. armed forces during and after WWII.

This helmet features the classic khaki/tan cloth-covered pressed-fiber body with a wide brim, raised crown, covered top ventilator, multiple metal ventilation eyelets around the lower crown, and the distinctive dark green interior. The original adjustable brown leather sweatband/liner assembly remains installed, along with the brown web chinstrap.

The helmet presents extremely well. The exterior khaki covering is remarkably clean for a helmet approaching 80 years old, retaining an even color with only minor staining, handling marks and age wear. The brim retains a strong shape without the heavy crushing or deterioration often encountered on pressed-fiber helmets. The green interior is especially clean, and the manufacturer’s ink stamp remains clearly visible. The leather suspension/sweatband also appears substantially complete.

These helmets saw use by several branches of the U.S. military and are particularly associated with tropical-duty and training use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The American pressed-fiber helmet remained in military use long after WWII, including during the Korean and Vietnam eras.

This is a particularly attractive dated 1948 example because of its excellent overall preservation, complete interior, chinstrap and highly legible contract marking.

Condition: Very good to excellent original condition for its age. Minor exterior marks and normal storage/handling wear are present. Interior is exceptionally clean, with intact suspension/sweatband and clearly readable manufacturer/date markings. Please review photographs for exact condition.