1914 'Pudding basin' motorcycle helmet
Date made: early 20th century
Maker: unknown
Description: A 'pudding basin' style domed motorcycle helmet made of wood with a varnished fabric covering (some minor scratches on top and a hole drilled in the back) and a leather lining. The inside of the helmet has a leather lining tied together in the middle, an inner protective helmet, and leather straps to fasten under the chin of the wearer. The soft leather chin straps are badly perished. A better quality helmet than 2008-0166.
The helmet was worn by Alfred Charles Wright, who rode in the 1914 Senior TT race, riding an Abingdon Echo motorcycle. A. C. Wright was a retirement in the Senior Tourist Trophy race due to trouble with his gears (Isle of Man Weekly Times May 23 1914, p.3). The 1914 Isle of Man TT was the last held before the outbreak of the First World War.
Alfred Charles Wright was born in 1891 in Kidderminster and his father was a glass, oil and colour dealer. A. C. Wright served in the Royal Field Artillery in the First World War (48th Divisional Ammunition Col.) as a Fitter Corporal and died on the 5th November 1918 in northern Italy (Vicenza).
See PG/8736/1 and PG/8736/2 for photographs of Wright riding his machine.
Measurements: overall: 14 cm x 20 cm x 24 cm
Materials: cotton, leather, metal: copper alloy, paper, wood: other, wool
Object name: helmet
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 2008-0166
Subject tags : #TT&MOTORSPORT