Revolutionary War Period Naval Jack Tar Helmet, RARE!

Description

Offered in this 7-day auction is a c.1740-1790 Jack Tar Helmet.  Scarce helmet in a large size in good overall condition.  These helmets provided some protection to early sailors during combat, but mostly elements of weather and close quarters aboard ship.  The helmets were naively made with thick leather, placed in boiling water to soften, and then placed over a wooden form to shape.  After drying in form, they were typically tarred to provide additional protection and preserve the leather from salt water spray.  This helmet has a partial tear in the brim that measures about 1" from brim end to center.  There are several excellent references to these (as pictured), including one from the "Military and Historical Image Bank".  Difficult to find early Naval helmet from the Rev War era.
Measures 12 3/4" x 11 1/8" exterior brim to brim
Measures 8" front to back x 7" left to right (inside)
Measures 4 1/2" deep
Low starting bid. No reserve.  Thank you for looking!