6 panel sun helmet
 

Another sun helmet from my collection that I have had for years. It is a six panel helmet and has obviously been used as a theatrical prop, being clearly marked to such L&H Nathan LTD London, but it obviously started life as an original sun helmet of some unknown to me nation.

It is similar to the USA m1880 or m1887 sun helmets but as it is a 6 panel it can't be one of them.

It is obvious that the spike and mount are not original to it, but that is the way it came to me.

I'm thinking it's a British helmet (or a colonial one of British pattern) that's had the wrong spike fitting applied for theatrical purposes.
There's always the possibility that it was adapted for wear by an army band in recent decades but the markings suggest theatrical rather than an army band bodge job.
Another possibility might be the French Model 1878 helmet, the sweatband looks like that found in many British helmets and caps.

thanks Leigh for offering some insight.

I always thought it was British colonial helmet but the French types look a pretty close match.