'Pith helmet' advice sought
 

I could use some help regarding this 'pith helmet' I picked up some years ago. As can be seen it has had a hard life (in fairness most of the damage occurred before I bought it), but at least it hasn't been otherwise messed around with. I would be grateful for advice on:

a) What is its proper title (other than pith or sun helmet)?

b) In this condition what would it be worth?

Once I have a bit more info, and when the festive season is out of the way, it will be available for sale or exchange.

Thanks for looking

Graham

Hi Graham,
Not my area of collecting but I always thought they were the Foreign Service Helmet, others in the know will I'm sure confirm

Gerard

Proper title is Foreign Service Helmet (FSH)

Wolseley pattern Sola topee. I'll check in my books as to a "proper" name for this example which going by the foil dome liner probably dates to circa 1941 or 1942.

Thanks very much gents, much appreciated.

Graham

Manufacturer and date are normally stamped on the sweatband, it looks like the WWII pattern which would normally have the flat pagri permanently attached.

In 1933 a newly arrived young officer marched smartly into the Adjutant's office in Peshawar wearing immaculate khaki drill and his solar topee.

"Pith off" ordered the Adjutant!

"But thirr" lisped the young officer, I've only just arrived!

Tim

Yes, I have a comic card portraying the incident - unfortunately I showed it to Stuart Bates too late for it to be included in his book.

Thanks for the additional info: been that long since I looked at it I'd forgotten about the label, it reads:

[7]
Helm[et]s Lt[d]
Wheathampstead
1942
▲

Thanks again

Graham