British Pith Helmet Spike and Base

The British Pith Helmet Spike and Base are components traditionally fitted to the top of British military pith helmets, also known as sun helmets, used primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The spike is typically constructed from brass and designed to screw securely into the matching base plate, providing both a decorative and recognizable feature of the helmet’s silhouette. The base is affixed through the helmet’s crown, holding the spike in place and often reinforced for durability. These components are most associated with the British colonial era, including campaigns in India, Africa, and other parts of the empire, where such helmets formed part of the standard uniform for officers and troops stationed in hot climates. The design varied slightly between regiments and time periods but the spike and base remained standard features. The item is relevant for collectors and researchers interested in British military uniforms and headgear from the Victorian and Edwardian periods.