Trying to identify labeling on the front of a model 1881 helmet

[Doughboy]

Recently while browsing Ebay I've come across a US model 1881 helmet that's both in pretty good condition and decently priced. I have done some research on my own and everything seems to be correct including the manufacturer mark who did make such helmets. My main issue is the metal lettering and numbering on the front eagle plate shown in the pictures. WLI and 1803 being put onto the front of course. These kind of labels were put for units or regiments from what I've seen like with a medical corps helmet having a plus sign that I've seen or an artillery corps helmet having the regiment number and such. But for this helmet I have no idea what WLI or 1803 mean and I don't believe 1803 is a date as..The helmet was made long long after 1803. So if anyone here has any further information to help out that would be much appreciated as I do not want to purchase an item that could possibly be fake.

Thank you for any help you can provide

 

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[DCMatt]

Washington Light Infantry?

 

[DCMatt]

1803

[FONT=&quot]In 1800 the Fusiliers under Capt. John Brazer and the Tigers, Capt. Daniel Sargent (a merchant in civil life), were the two light infantry companies constituting the sub-legion of light infantry—both being entirely independent. Indeed the sub-legion of light infantry had no field officer until Feb. 14, 1806, when Capt. Daniel Messinger of the Winslow Blues was elected Major. The Blues were organized in 1799 and first appeared on the sub-legion roster in 1802. The Washington Light Infantry were organized in 1803.[/FONT]

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I find 1807 as the founding date if it is the South Carolina version.

https://schistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Washington-Light-Infantry-records-555.00.pdf

https://www.worldcat.org/title/wash...ry-1873/oclc/1256108424&referer=brief_results

 

[DCMatt]

I find 1807 as the founding date if it is the South Carolina version.

I took the quote from this book:

Title: The Old First Massachusetts Coast Artillery in War and Peace

Author: Frederick Morse Cutler - Copyright 1917

 

[DCMatt]

Here is another 1803 reference from a Confederate Veteran's Newsletter in 1909:

I also see 1807 in a number of places around the internet. Maybe the organization recalculated it's origin date?

 

[DCMatt]

It seems 1803 refers to the Boston organization.

From Bowen's Picture of Boston - Printed 1838

 

[islamoradamark]

Sure does look cool Sure hate to sit on that

 

[Kenosha Kid]

https://catalog.lib.uchicago.edu/vufind/Record/5080548

https://catalog.lib.uchicago.edu/vufind/Record/1828060

These show the WLI established March 25, 1800 in Massachusetts.

Still can’t answer why WLI 1803 is on a much later helmet. Any info on the signature and date inside of it? (lower right corner in picture 2)

 

[Doughboy]

All I can make out and that the seller can make out is the date of 1902 written inside. 1902 is the last official year the helmet type was worn by the actual US armed forces.