Der Rittmeister Militaria, LLC. Imperial German Merchandise, Page 4: Imperial German Headdress Nr 1: Pickelhaube, Pickelhauben, Spike Helmets, Spiked Helmet, Garde du Corps, Imperial German General Pickelhaube, Pickelhaube Chinstraps, Pickelhaube covers, and wappens. Updated on 2 September 2010.
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German spiked helmets (pickelhauben) and Imperial Germany's other headdresses are our specialty! We have some of the best sources from Germany and around the world.  99.9% of our helmets are personally selected by me during our frequent buying trips to Europe and throughout North America. As you will see, we concentrate on officer's-level pieces, One-Year-Volunteers, NCO's, smaller states within the Empire, and the German military's more elite regiments and formations. We tend not to offer the more common enlisted men's headdresses from the larger Kingdoms, simply because they are far-easier-to-find.  I prefer the "thrill" of  hunting for hard-to-find items. On each trip I look at HUNDREDS of helmets before I select the few good enough to bring back. Each helmet must score high in CONDITION (excellent condition is crucial in Imperial German headdress collectibles). It also must rank high in AUTHENTICITY before it makes its long journey back to the U.S. (While authenticity is important in all areas of collecting, it is essential when collecting pickelhauben or any other  Imperial German headdress form.) Many "put-together" helmets lurk out there. What started out as a Prussian officer's or enlisted man's helmet can quickly morph into another state's officer's helmet demanding 20 times its starting price! If you are looking for a common enlisted man's pickelhauben, partial helmets, or fixer-uppers, that is NOT what we do. If you are searching for the BEST HIGH-QUALITY PICKELHAUBEN AND OTHER IMPERIAL GERMAN HEADDRESS, please look closely at the helmets and other headgear offered below.

 

As you peruse our helmets and other forms of headdress, you will note the term "One-Year-Volunteer" (OYV). An OYV enlisted in the army under a different program from ordinary recruits, whose terms were for two years. An OYV's term of enlistment was for one year, followed by two years in the reserves. Following completion of that term, he was often promoted to a Leutnant der Reserve. These young men came from upper middle class families. In return for the government accepting their enlistment as an OYV, the COMPLETE cost of outfitting and maintaining the individual (including payment for quarters and provisions)  was borne by his family. The German Army permitted a great deal of latitude in pickelhauben style when it came to non-issued helmets. An OYV was allowed to wear very high-quality headdress quite similar to that of an officer's. This was because he was expected to PAY for whatever he wore, hence the flexibility! He was allowed to have many of an officer's helmet's details, but not all of them. For example, some of the primary differences between most officers' vs. enlisted men's/NCO's helmets were in the area of wappens, officer's stars, kokarden, and spikes. As you study an OYV helmet, you will find them very similar to many officers' helmets from the same regiment. An OYV helmet is actually quite scarce. As a variant it is quite desirable and collectible. They are, in my opinion, one of the best bargains (and one of the best kept secrets) on the market. They are a great value and, in terms of quality and collectability, a true cut above an enlisted man's or an NCO's piece. Please consider some of these marvelous helmets, busbies, etc. when we offer them from time to time. I have come to appreciate and seek them out over the years. I recommend them to you as an excellent value with a very high level of quality (at considerably less expense). As a rule, I usually find they have been maintained in excellent condition. This is always a plus when we consider adding items to our respective collections.

20-173 PERSONAL SHAKO - KAISER WILHELM II - GENERALFELDMARSCHALL - NAVY SEE-BATTALION -  FULL PARADE CONFIGURATION - CPARADE FEATHERS - TWO STORAGE BOXES. Today we are offering perhaps the single most important artifact ever in the history of Der Rittmeister Militaria. In our day we have offered many fine articles of headdress, tunics, etc. from Germany’s royals. We even have offered several schirmutzen that once belonged to Kaiser Wilhelm II, but never anything quite like this! Today we are pleased and honored to present his Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm II’s original officer’s shako for the See-Battalion.
As you are well aware, the See-Battalion was attached to the Kaiserliche Marine, much as the U.S. Marine Corps is to the U. S. Navy and the British Royal Marines are to Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. The See-Battalion provided shipboard security for the German Imperial Navy’s larger vessels. They were also charged with providing security at many German embassies and consulates around the world. In China one entire battalion (Battalion Nr 3) was assigned as the embassy’s security force, and as additional military muscle to bolster the area’s other colonial troops. Our premiere offering today is the complete ensemble for the Kaiser’s See-Battalion shako.
The shako’s body consists of superb felt for the body portion, and fine leather for its top, as well as the front and rear visors. The See-Battalion's wappen is absolutely magnificent. It features an eagle with outspread wings. In the middle of its chest is a smaller Hohenzollern Eagle. Clasped in the larger eagle’s talons is an anchor base. Over its head sits a Hohenzollern Crown, with a royal stole streaming out from either side. The wappen is exquisitely frosted. All of its fire gilding remains intact. The shako boasts a glorious pair of chin scales. The final exterior detail is its field badge, handsomely crafted of silver bullion. It sports a red center signifying the Reich. The exterior’s condition is excellent. I believe most would agree with me. It is in mint-minus condition.
The back interior visor is green leather. The sweatband is ultra soft doeskin. It exhibits an extra band of stitching that one only sees on top-of-the-line headdress. (Naturally, one expects this from the Kaiser!) Its liner is made from superior quality silk. It has a much tighter weave than that one normally sees. Again, this was an expensive helmet option, but if you were the Kaiser, expenses be damned! Wilhelm II’s gold Cypher is embossed on the silk liner. The entire interior is in excellent condition, with just a hint of gentle wear. In all likelihood, it was worn very rarely during Wilhelm II’s reign (1888 to 1918).
Some manufacturer’s production markings seem to appear under the liner, as well as the size, "55 1/4." This is around the average hat/helmet size for the period.
Now let us turn to the helmet’s featherbush. The cock feathers are white, red, and black, representing Germany’s national colors. It differs from a Prussian general’s feathers, which are just black and white. This is because the See-Battalion was considered a national force rather than merely a Prussian unit. (The same held true for the Kaiserliche Marine). The very full cock feathers are attached to a special trichter, which slides in behind the field badge. The entire shako takes on an entirely different look when the parade feathers are attached. Accompanying the parade feathers is an officer’s regular horsehair bush. It is a very full and beautifully-shaped. Should you to want to attach the bush, you will need to dismount the feathers. This is because only one of these very special trichters is included. Personally, I cannot imagine why one would wish to do so. The bush comes with the ensemble, however. It will be yours to do with as you wish when you purchase it. Another part of the ensemble is the shako’s and parade feathers’ storage boxes. The shako’s box measures 9" x 11" x 8." The box front displays a special-added label that reads "Seebattalion." Immediately above the unit designation appears Wilhelm II’s similarly Hohenzollern-Crowned Cypher. The box is lined in white silk. The shako rests inside the box, along with the field badge and the extra, horsehair parade bush. Originally, a leather strap secured the top to the box. Only a remnant of the leather strap remains.
The last piece of the presentation is a special, cylindrically-shaped case, which houses the parade feathers when they are not in use. I have seen similar cases in the past, housing generals’ trichters and feathers. Such cases always are far larger and more ornate than boxes holding lower officers’ horsehair trichters. This one has openings on both ends to facilitate removing and replacing the bush. The ends are appropriately marked "Oben (top)" and "Unten (bottom)." The box stands 11 3/4" high. It is 6 3/4" in diameter at the base. Its side displays a similar label to that seen on the shako’s box, identifying it as Kaiser Wilhelm II’s property.
Again, we are extremely excited to share this with you. One often hears the term "museum piece" or "museum grade." This certainly applies here. Any collector fortunate enough to have this in his collection (as I do now), is the caretaker of a truly historic piece. I know many of you will flinch at its price. It is expensive, of that we have no doubt. In comparison, two or three years ago I was offered one of Wilhelm II’s feldgrau tunics and an army general pickelhaube. The price to me would have been €50,000. At today’s prices that would equal $74,000+! [Please allow sufficient time for the attached photographs to load. I believe you will find the wait well worth it]! $42,495.00  

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Anhalt

Baden

 Infanterie

04-544 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - 1. BADISCHES-LEIB-GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 109 - BADEN. In the German Army, a few key infantry regiments were considered the best of the best. All of these regiments were famous for their participation in many battles, and for being the best from their respective kingdoms, grand duchies, and duchies. They included: Prussia’s 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß and Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1, Braunschweig’s Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 92, Saxony’s Königl. Sächs. 1. (Leib) Grenadier-Regiment Nr 100, Hesse-Darmstadt’s Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment (1. Großherzogl. Hessisches) Nr 115, Württemberg’s Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Württembergisches) Nr 119, Bavaria’s Infanterie-Leib-Regiment, and Baden’s 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. This final regiment was the Grand Duchy of Baden’s premiere infantry regiment. The regiment was formed in 1803. It was garrisoned at Karlsruhe, where it was a part of the XIV. ArmeeKorps. You will note the regiment held "Leib" status, which was similar to "Garde" status. They were part of their ruler’s personal bodyguard. (Personally, ALL of these regiments are among my favorites). Our offering today is an officer’s pickelhaube from 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. Over the years I have offered an officer’s helmet from every regiment listed above, EXCEPT for 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. Today I finally "complete" the group, and quite handsomely, at that. Any helmet from the group above is captivating and distinctive. The Baden pickelhaube is no exception. It offers a silver wappen. All of the furniture, with the exception of the chin scales and officer stars, is also silver. The wappen’s griffin boasts a gorgeous, red enamel cross set against a silver sunburst on its chest. I have seen other examples of the helmet where the cross was bigger, and even protruded more from the griffin’s chest. [I am going to speculate that the helmet belonged to a junior officer within the regiment, rather than a battalion commander, regimental staffer, or the regimental commander, himself. It is pure speculation on my part. Somehow I cannot envision a young German leutnant showing up with a fancier rig than his superiors unless he was of the nobility]! The helmet’s leather body is quite pleasing. The Baden officer’s state kokarde is in place, as is the reich’s kokarde. Inside the helmet is a lightly-used leather sweatband. The silk liner is creme-colored. It shows some "running/shredding" which, while visible, is not heavy. This is quite common in silk liners. It is rather like a "run" in a silk stocking. Once it starts it is very prone to spreading. It shows that the helmet was worn. Under the liner all of the original hardware is visible, with no double holes where the wappen is attached to the leather body. This is a very attractive helmet. Included with the helmet is a storage case. The interior straps to hold the helmet in place are present but on the exterior of the case one of the fittings is missing and there is no place to secure the strap. We are extremely pleased to share this helmet with you. $12,995.00

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04-577 ENLISTED MAN PICKELHAUBE - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT - BADEN. This is an enlisted man’s pickelhaube from any of the Grand Duchy of Baden’s line-infantry regiments. The helmet’s leather body is complete, but shows the wear and dryness typical of an enlisted man’s helmet. We have applied a leather conditioner to it, (which helped). [Again, we urge you to apply a leather conditioner to your helmets at least once a year. Do not forget the leather on sweatbands and/or enlisted men’s leather liners). All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt, including the trim, the wappen, the spike, and etc. The state and reich’s kokarden are present. An original leather chinstrap is also on the helmet. The spike does not remove. The helmet’s back strap reveals a gap between it and the leather body. Inside the helmet, the complete leather liner is present, including the sizing thong. The two posts by which the wappen is attached to the helmet are held in place by two short leather pieces. I can detect no regimental or depot markings on the back visor. This is a very clean, original, pre WW I, Baden trooper’s helmet. We do not often find them this clean and handsome these days. It is definitely NOT a put-together-from-parts helmet. $1,395.00

 

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04-576 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - PIONIER-BATTALION Nr 14 - BADEN. This is a very clean officer’s pickelhaube from Badisches Pionier-Battalion Nr 14. The unit was raised in 1850. It was garrisoned at Kehl and attached to the XIII. ArmeeKorps. The leather body is complete and in very good condition, overall. Portions of the leather show some signs of age. The wappen, spike base, pearl ring, spike and trim are silver-toned. The chin scales and officer’s stars are gilt. The officer’s red and gold kokarde is rendered in the style used by Baden, Württemberg, Hessen-Darmstadt, and Saxony. I find this kokarde style very elegant. The reich’s kokarde is in the Prussian style. The helmet’s interior has a black leather sweatband that has seen moderate use. The silk liner’s red color is quite unusual. All of the original hardware appears under the silk liner. The helmet’s leather body reveals no double holes. Only one battalion wore this helmet. Our example, although clearly worn, has a lot of character and "honest age" to it. It is only the second Baden Pionier’s Pickelhaube I have offered. It is in far better condition than the first. $4,695.00

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Bavaria

General Officer

04-369 GROUPING FOR A GENERAL MEDICAL OFFICER INCLUDING HIS M-1886 GENERAL PICKELHAUBE, ORIGINAL PICKELHAUBE STORAGE CASE, AND THREE SETS OF SHOULDER BOARDS/EPAULETTES AS A GENERALARZT - BAVARIA. This is one of the most distinctive general’s groupings we have ever offered. This grouping is for the senior medical officer in the Bavarian Army. He held the rank of GeneralArzt (artz being German for doctor). This corresponds to the more commonly-known rank of generalleutnant. As the Bavarian Army’s chief medical officer, this man had the ultimate responsibility and authority of ensuring that medical standards and practices were upheld throughout the military. This grouping consists of his M-1886 Bavarian General’s Pickelhaube (with storage case) and THREE different sets of shoulder boards/epaulettes for his rank (with the storage case for the magnificent dress shoulder boards). Please do remember that this is an M -1886 General’s Helmet, the first pickelhaube-style adopted by the Bavarians when they converted to its use (the last of the German states so to do). The M -1886 General’s Helmet did NOT employ enamel on its wappen as did those produced beginning in 1911. This pickelhaube presents a generally appealing leather body. The body displays no major faults, only honest age. This includes some minor cracking and crazing in limited spots. The helmet features a squared front visor with all gilt furniture. The wappen is particularly attractive. Its gilt toning exhibits an interesting patina. The spike, while not particularly tall, is fluted. A single state kokarde adorns the right side of the helmet. The helmet gets REALLY interesting inside. The leather sweatband is in fine condition. It is quite tall for the helmet. While the basic material of the sweatband is a dark brown leather, a striking horizontal stitching of white leather is applied for contrast. This is a mark of a high end helmet and shows some of the types of touches that we often see on a general’s helmet. The liner is exceptional. Almost all liners we see are made of silk that has been split in the center, thus allowing access to the helmet’s interior. This liner, the first of its kind I have ever seen, is a single piece of gathered green silk. Two vent holes, enhanced by metal grommets, are located in the liner’s center. The Nürnberg manufacturer’s name is embossed in a different shade of green in the center. Finally, we see a single metal "E" attached to this remarkable liner (which should help to identify its original owner)! First among the shoulder boards included in this grouping are this officer’s dress or "banjo" style boards. These massive and attractive epaulettes come housed in their original storage carton, where they are tied down to prevent shifting. Each epaulette displays the medical profession’s caduceus and the single pip denoting the rank of GeneralArzt (generalleutnant) in silver. In addition to the caduceus on each board, these are far different in coloring from other Bavarian general’s epaulettes. The silver, moon-shaped frames with blue velvet backing and silver brocade trim shot through with blue thread further confirm these as Bavarian. The dangling tinsel braid validating his general’s rank is gold. On the reverse the backing is a combination of red leather and red felt. Second in the grouping come the larger-format shoulder boards for the good doctor’s mantel/overcoat. They are amazingly detailed and of superb condition and quality. They measure 6 1/4" x 3." Each displays a gilt caduceus and the proper rank pip. They are constructed of thick, beautifully interwoven silver and blue braid. The backing for these shoulder boards is a dark-blue velvet. The final pair of shoulder boards is the smallest of the three. These boards measure 4 7/8" x 2" and are for his daily-wear (Dienst [Service]) tunic. Again, they display a Bavarian general’s coloring and the designation of a Medical General by a gilt caduceus and silver for the rank pip. This third pair of shoulder boards also has a dark-blue velvet backing. The entire grouping should display exquisitely for a collector with the imagination to array the various shoulder boards around this magnificent helmet. If a mirror were strategically placed to also reveal the helmet’s interior, the effect would be breathtaking! At any rate, the new owner will have unlimited opportunities to display these ravishing items to their best advantage. $15,995.00. . .

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Infanterie

04-535 PICKELHAUBE - ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT - BAVARIA. As I have shared with you in the past, a One-Year-Volunteer’s (OYV) uniform and headdress are often one of military collectibles’ biggest values. One-Year-Volunteer’s came from financially well set families. These young men entered their military service under a different program from the regular two-year-conscript who entered the army as an Enlisted Man. The OYV’s enlistment was for one year. Once they had completed their service, however, they often were promoted to officer status in the reserves. Men who served as OYV’s did so while paying all of their own expenses. This included supplying all of their uniforms and personal gear. As a result, the men were allowed more latitude in their dress items. They often wore items that were officer’s quality, especially when it came to pickelhauben. The differences were subtle, but with some minor exceptions qualified as officer’s level. This is why the pickelhaube we are offering today is a real value. It is common to see an OYV pickelhaube cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars less than an officer’s helmet from the same regiment. Today we are offering a very fine example of a Bavarian Infantry Regiment’s One-Year-Volunteer’s pickelhaube. Its leather body is in very fine condition. It is supple, clean, and quite appealing. All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt of the highest quality. The chin scales are of the flat variety. All of it is definitely officer’s quality. It features an officer’s style wappen with a voided crown. An NCO’s state and reich’s kokarden are in place. The helmet does not display officer’s stars at the top. Instead it boasts an NCO/enlisted man’s lugs. The spike is not detachable, but is taller as would be an officer’s. The rear gilt spine is also officer’s style. Inside the helmet, it is pure officer’s style, with a leather sweatband and a silk liner. Under the liner is 100% original hardware. The wappen is mounted officer’s style, with screws and washers rather than a small bit of leather holding it in place. The latter is more commonly seen in depot-issued, NCO/enlisted man’s helmets. No double holes where the wappen is mounted. This is a delightful helmet that would make a worth addition to any collection. $3,695.00 

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04-582 NCO  M-1915 PICKELHAUBE - BAVARIA. This is a Bavarian NCO's  M-1915 Pickelhaube. Since it is an M-1915 helmet, all of its furniture is subdued rather than shiny, prewar brass. [Subdued headdresses were instituted as the trench war developed, to prevent unwanted attention from the other side’s snipers]. The leather body is quite good. [I doubt the helmet saw extensive service as the M-1916 Stahlhelm was already in development at this time. It soon replaced all the infantry, artillery, cavalry, etc.’s prewar headdresses. All the latter were sent back home (for the most part) to protect them from the elements and other detractions]. As I stated, all of the furniture, including the wappen, spike, etc., is subdued (grayed). You will note that the central crown of the wappen is voided. Thus, it is officer quality and it most likely made this man an NCO. Interestingly, the helmet has a brass front trim. It has a heavy patina that would not have been a problem at the front. The rear trim strap is painted black. The state and reich’s kokarden are in place. A VERY handsome original brown leather chinstrap is attached. It is in very fine condition. Inside the helmet is a full and complete leather liner. All of the leather tongues are present, as is the sizing thong with which the man could adjust the helmet for his comfort. If we pull up the leather liner a bit, we can see the wappen is secured to the helmet with the use of small leather pieces. They are slipped through the clips on the wappen’s back, which has been moved into place. The back visor reveals it as a depot-issued helmet. It is marked for "21 IR." Officially, the regiment was called the 21 Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog Friedrich Franz IV. von Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The regiment was founded in 1897. Battalion Nr 1 and Nr 3 were garrisoned at Fürth. Battalion Nr 2 was garrisoned at Sulzbach. The regiment was assigned to the Bavarian III. ArmeeKorps. This was one of Bavaria’s last old-line regiments, which was founded before the pre WW I buildup. Stamped on the helmet’s back visor is its size, "56 ½." It is an exceptionally clean wartime pickelhaube. I rarely find NCO helmets in such an appealing condition. It would make a great addition to any collection. $1,895.00

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Kavallerie

 

04-564 OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE - CHEVAULEGERS-REGIMENT NR’S 1 - 3 - 5 - 7 - BAVARIA. This is an officer’s pickelhaube from Bavaria’s 1. Chevaulegers-Regiment Kaiser Nikolaus von Rußland, 3. Chevaulegers-Regiment Herzog Karl Theodor, 5. Chevaulegers-Regiment Erzherzog Friedrich von Österreich, or 7. Chevaulegers Prinz Alfons. Bavaria had a total of eight Chevaulegers-Regiments. The four odd-numbered regiments featured gilt furniture. The four even-numbered regiments displayed silver furniture, instead. Today’s helmet sports a fine leather body. It is in excellent condition. Its front visor is squared rather than rounded. All of its furniture, including the chin scales, the wappen, the trim, the cruciform, and the spike, is gilt-toned (meaning it belongs to an odd-numbered regiment). Its spike is fluted. Both the reich and state’s kokarden are attached. Inside the helmet we find a used leather sweatband and a fine, light-brown, silk liner. All of the original hardware is visible under the silk liner. No double holes are evident. This is a VERY attractive helmet! $5,195.00

 

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04-565 OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE - CHEVAULEGERS-REGIMENT NR’S 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - BAVARIA. This is an officer’s pickelhaube from Bavaria’s 2. Chevaulegers-Regiment Taxis, 4. Chevaulegers-Regiment König, 6. Chevaulegers-Regiment Prinz Albrecht von Preußen, or 8. Chevaulegers-Regiment. Bavaria had a total of eight Chevaulegers-Regiments. The four even-numbered regiments displayed silver furniture. The four odd-numbered regiments featured gilt furniture, instead.
Today’s helmet sports a fine leather body. It is in fine condition. It shows a bit of settling at the crown, which is quite common. Its front visor is squared rather than rounded. All of its furniture, including the chin scales, the wappen, the trim, the cruciform, and the spike, is silver-toned. Its spike is fluted. Both the reich and state’s kokarden are attached. Inside the helmet we find a used leather sweatband and an orangish-colored silk liner. The silk liner reveals some runs (shredding). Under the silk liner appears to be the name of the original owner "Krausse". All of the original hardware is visible under the silk liner. No double holes are evident. I do not know the reason, but we find silver-furnitured helmets far less often than we do the gilt-furnitured ones. $4,995.00

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Train-Abteilung

Braunschweig

Infanterie

Hesse-Darmstadt

Infanterie

04-376 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE FOR INFANTERIE-LEIBREGIMENT GROßHERZOGIN Nr 117 - IN ORIGINAL STORAGE CASE - HESSE-DARMSTADT. Infanterie-Leibregiment (13. Großherzogl. Hessisches) Nr 117 was one of the leading infantry regiments from the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt. It was founded in 1697, making it among the German Army’s oldest infantry regiments. Soldiers from Hesse were some of the finest in Europe. They were used extensively by the British in the American revolution and during the Napoleonic Wars, especially under Wellington in the Spanish/Portuguese Peninsula Campaign. Their discipline and toughness were legendary. They were a tough group to confront, and proved mighty adversaries to the American and French troops who faced them. Pickelhauben from the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt are among the most prized of infantry helmets to collectors. [Perhaps the most popular and elusive of these helmets would be one for Leibgarde-Infanterie-Regiment Nr 115, the oldest Hessian (indeed, German regiment), which was founded in 1621]. Our helmet today has all gilt furniture. The centerpiece of the helmet is its magnificent gilt wappen, featuring the rampant crowned Hessian Lion brandishing his sword. The splendid Lion himself is banded, as always, and framed by a wreath of oak and laurel leaves. On each side of the wreath is a bandeau reading "1697" and "1897," the regiment’s founding and 200^th anniversary dates, respectively. The detail to the wappen is exquisite. It exhibits a fine frosted finish with a sublime patina. You will really enjoy this one! Also worthy of special mention are the superb, concave, officer’s chin scales and the extra-tall, fluted spike. The latter was a trademark of all Hessian infantry regiments. Hessian officer’s helmets were different from other states because the Hessians used domed bolts to secure their helmet-top’s cruciform piece, rather than stars. They also used a different rear metal spine with these same domed bolts on it, as opposed to it being smooth. The leather body of the helmet is in very fine condition, with just some minor imperfections. The special Hessian-style state kokarde is present, as is the national officer’s. Inside, we see a leather sweatband and silk liner, both intact and showing honest wear. Peek under the helmet and the original hardware is revealed as in place and correct. This helmet comes in a storage case which has the name of the manufacturer in Karlsruhe. We are quite excited about this helmet. Hessian officer’s helmets of any variety are difficult to find. To locate one from such a famous regiment, with its impressive history, is quite a coup. $8,795.00 . . .

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Kavallerie

04-579 OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE - DRAGONER-REGIMENT - HESSE-DARMSTADT. This is a fine example of an officer’s pickelhaube from the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt. The Grand Duchy fielded two Dragoner-Regiments. These two regiments were Garde-Dragoner-Regiment (1. Großherzogl.) Nr 23 and Leib-Husaren-Regiment (2. Großherzogl.) Nr 24. The former regiment was founded in 1790, and the latter in 1859. Both were garrisoned in the capital city of Darmstadt, and were assigned to the XVIII. ArmeeKorps. The helmet is correct for either of the two regiments. The helmet’s body is in very good condition, generally. It is made of fiberglass. I see one chip on the right side. Also, a patch is missing near the reich’s kokarde (we will show these in the photographs that accompany the description). Some settling shows in the cruciform area. Unlike most other Dragoner helmets, the front visor is rounded rather than squared. All of the furniture is silver. I am especially drawn to the luscious chin scales and wappen. (Please take a moment to look closely at the wappen’s photograph. Its detailing is incredible). Both the officer’s state and reich’s kokarden are present. The cruciform and the short, fluted spike is also worth mentioning. The Hessian Kokarde is a work of art. Inside the helmet is a fine leather sweatband that shows mild use. A name, "Otto Neumann," appears on the sweatband, which may well be that of the original owner. It sports a complete, green, silk liner in very fine condition. All of the original hardware is in place under the silk liner. No double holes show where the wappen is attached. Hessen helmets always seem to be a bit more difficult-to-find, although I do not know why. I am always quite pleased when I find a Hessen helmet. I am especially pleased to find a Hessen cavalry helmet rather than an infantry example. This relates to scarcity, of course. A Hessen Dragoner helmet certainly is scarce. $6,995.00

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Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Infanterie

Kavallerie

04-293 DRAGOON OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN. The Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin had a well trained and compact military. There were a total of two infantry (one Grenadier and one Füßilier) regiments, two cavalry (both were Dragoon) regiments, one artillery regiment (her sister Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz had one battery of artillery), and one Jäger-Battalion. The two Dragoon regiments were 1. Großherzogl. Mecklenburg Dragoner-Regiment Nr 17, founded in 1819, and 2. Großherzogl. Mecklenburg Dragoner-Regiment Nr 18, founded in 1867. This helmet would have been correct for Dragoon Regiment Nr 18. We can tell this from the coloring of the cruciform. The helmet is also quite interesting because its body is made of very high-quality fiberglass. As described in our Reuss infantry helmet, fiberglass helmets were very desirable variations. I have seen fiberglass generals’ pickelhauben from Bavaria, Prussia, and Mecklenburg-Schwerin, so higher-ranking officers certainly had a desire for these helmets. This helmet has the traditional, squared, front visor (as opposed to the rounded visor of the infantry and artillery helmets) of the Dragoon pickelhaube. The exterior of the helmet is in very fine condition. It presents a glossy, high-black finish. A touch of light spidering to the exterior is in no way detractive. It shows honest wear from the last 90+ years of aging. The metal furniture of the helmet is a mixture of gilt and silver. The chin scales, the portion of the wappen that attaches to the helmet (the sunburst), and the officer stars are gilt. The silver portions include the cruciform, the spike, the upper portion of the wappen, and the trim. The silver portion of the wappen exhibits the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin’s coat-of-arms. It has a fine frosted finish. The patina on the cruciform and the spike are especially noteworthy. It is clear from the patina that those portions of the helmet have a high silver content. It makes the helmet exceptionally attractive in my view. The state and reich's kokarden are present. The interior of the helmet is every bit as pleasing. We have fine leather sweatband that is lightly used. The silk liner is a creamy brown, in excellent condition. All of the hardware is in exceptional condition. The helmet is marked a size 55 ½. There are no extra holes where the wappen is attached. This is a beautiful helmet with a lot of character. It is quite scarce, being made of fiberglass. $7,995.00

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Mecklenburg-Strelitz

Infanterie

Oldenburg

Infanterie

04-310 INFANTERIE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 91 - OLDENBURG. The Grand Duchy of Oldenburg fielded a single infantry regiment. This was Oldenburgisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 91. The regiment was raised in 1813. This helmet is a splendid example. It has an excellent and nearly unblemished leather body. The helmet’s furniture is gilt with the exception of the Oldenburg silvered center. This silvered center consists of the Oldenburg coat-of-arms attached to a sunburst. The correct kokarden for Oldenburg and the Reich are in place. The chin scales are particularly magnificent. An extra tall, high quality spike is also in place. Inside are a fine leather sweatband and a green silk liner which, while complete, does show some wear. All of the fittings are original to the helmet. This is a very appealing helmet from a rarely seen small state. An officer with good taste once owned this helmet and wore it with great pride. This helmet would date to the period between 1900-1910. $5,995.00. . .

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Prussia

General Officer

04-380 PICKELHAUBE FOR A GENERAL - PRUSSIA. This week we offer a very fine example of a Prussian Army General’s pickelhaube. I am always particularly delighted to offer these helmets. They are not only rare, but possess a beauty that is difficult to surpass. This example presents a very fine leather body with no major problems or imperfections. It exhibits the normal wear and honest age of its 90+ years. The helmet came to us from an advanced European collector’s impressive collection, where it received loving care for many years. The wappen’s Imperial Eagle is portrayed in the massive Garde style, with outstretched wings and an enameled Garde Star centered in its chest. The front visor is squared off instead of rounded, a key indicator of a general’s helmet. All of the furniture is gilt. Its very tall, fluted spike is another "tip-off" that this helmet was the property of a Prussian General. The correct state and reich’s kokarden are in place. Inside, the interior is complete, with a leather sweatband and silk liner that also show honest age and use (not abuse). It is obvious that this marvelous helmet was worn with a great deal of pride. Under the silk liner all of the original and correct hardware is present. This is a solid and fairly-priced general’s helmet, which I do not anticipate will have a long stay on my shelves. Recently, general’s helmets have become increasingly difficult-to-locate. I have sold this helmet previously. I took it back as a trade-in on a more expensive helmet, and now have the pleasure of offering it to you once more. $10,495.00. .Reduced to $9,495.00!!

 

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04-586 PICKELHAUBE - FLÜGELADJUTANT - PRUSSIA. This is a superb Flügeladjutant’s Pickelhaube. [Let me take a moment to explain the Flügeladjutant. By definition, an adjutant is a military officer acting as an administrative assistant to a senior officer, while the military definition of the German word flügel means "flank." Thus, the Flügeladjutant was a special aide (adjutant) to any German ruler, whether it was a Kingdom, Grand Duchy, Duchy, Principality or etc. In Prussia’s case, a Flügeladjutant was assigned to Kaiser Wilhelm II. As emperor, Wilhelm had several Flügeladjutants at any given time. They hailed from the Army and the Kaiserliche Marine. Naturally, the Navy’s Flügeladjutants were far less plentiful than the Army’s, since Army personnel always outnumbered the smaller naval force. (Please see item # 13-769 further along in this update for a naval Flügeladjutant’s shoulder boards, which are VERY rare). The Flügeladjutant generally was of royal or noble birth. While many Flügeladjutants were generals, some were of a slightly lower rank. A Flügeladjutant’s pickelhaube is quite difficult-to-find. Although it shares many attributes with a Prussian general’s pickelhaube, a great many more generals existed than did Flügeladjutants! This helmet’s leather body is remarkably preserved. It has no issues with cracking, visible scars, or gouges. The squared front visor is typical of a general officer’s headdress. Our helmet boasts a sublime, frosted-silver wappen, which stars a Prussian Eagle with outspread (late Grenadier-style) wings. In the center of the Eagle’s chest is an exquisite Garde Star displaying a central Black Eagle. Its white enamel exhibits some very minor chipping at the 6 o’clock position. All of the furniture wappen is silver, including the chin scales, spike cruciform, officer stars, etc. Speaking of the chin scales, ONE link is gilt. It stands out quite plainly. This indicates a silver wash has worn off the gilt due to age (and a lack of quality-control during the initial "wash" application). The pearl ring also exhibits diminished silver wash. These two issues indicate (to me) that the helmet probably was a wartime production, perhaps from 1914 to 1916. It most assuredly is NOT a late war piece. We will highlight these points in our photographs. It is also worth noting that the VERY tall spike is fluted, as is typical for general officer’s-level helmets. Officer’s kokarden for Prussia and the Reich are attached behind the chin scales. Inside the helmet is a gently-worn, brown leather sweatband. A name, which appears to be "Luahr," is inked on the sweatband. Attached to the sweatband is a MINT red-rust silk liner. Several interesting things lie under the silk liner. First, and most important, NO double holes show where the wappen is attached to the helmet. The helmet is all original. Next, all of the original hardware is present. Also, a size "55" paper tag is pasted onto the helmet’s interior. Finally, the Roman numeral "XII" is painted on it in white ink. I have no idea what the last means (it could be museum inventory markings), but report it to you as a matter of interest. This is as fine a helmet as you will find anywhere, and it is in TOP shape. In the European grading system, where 1(one) is the best and 4 (four) the worst, with plus(+) and minus(-) for further precision, I rate this helmet a clear "1-." $9,495.00

 

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Infanterie - Grenadier - Fuß - Füsilier

04-508 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - 5. GARDE-REGIMENT zu FUß - STORAGE CASE AND PICKELHAUBE COVER - PRUSSIA. This is an ultra-high-grade officer’s pickelhaube from the 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. The regiment was founded in 1897. Please note that the regiment only existed for twenty-one years before it was disbanded at WW I’s end. Therefore, only a relatively small number of officers ever served in it. It was garrisoned in Spandau, where it was a part of the Garde-Korps. The Garde-Grenadier-Regiments and Garde-Fuß-Regiments totaled eleven in all. This particular regiment was one of the final two (infantry) Garde-Regiments formed. The helmet is quite hard-to-find for a number of reasons. First, six of the eleven regiments are Garde-Fuß-Regiments, and five are Garde-Grenadier-Regiments. Of the six Fuß-Regiments, three display silver furniture on their pickelhauben. Among those three is the 5. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß. [As a point of reference, the 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß (the most elite Prussian infantry regiment) also exhibits silver furniture on its pickelhauben]. NONE of the Garde-Grenadier-Regiments have silver furniture. The helmet has a fine leather body. Some cracking appears on the helmet’s left side, which we will detail in the accompanying photographs. As previously stated, all the furniture is silver, except for the officer’s stars, which are gold. The silver furniture includes the chin scales, wappen, spike (which is extra tall), and trim. The wappen is magnificent. The Garde Star on the eagle’s chest is very attractive. The black eagle in its center is particularly noteworthy. Inside the helmet is a lightly-used, leather sweatband. A very high caliber tan/beige silk liner is also attached. All of the original hardware is intact under the liner. A storage case is included with the pickelhaube, as is a canvas pickelhaube cover for foul weather. The storage case is unusual in its design. It sports metal clips on its sides rather than the more common leather straps. It is a topnotch case, in fine condition. The canvas cover also is in excellent condition. All in all, it is a superb set from an elite German Army regiment. $6,495.00  

 

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04-205 GARDE-INFANTERIE-REGIMENT OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - PRUSSIA. This is a very fine example of a pickelhaube to an officer in a Garde-Infanterie-Regiment. What is extremely interesting is that it is not leather, but a form of fiberglass! This style came into use prior to the beginning of WW I. It afforded the wearer a finish that was quite shiny and mirror-like. If one did not know better, it might even be presumed that it is patent leather. Do not think for a moment that this is not a very high quality helmet. This was not an inexpensive helmet to produce ninety years ago. The original owner was NOT settling for a second best product. I have even seen examples of this style of helmet worn by a general. There are a couple of stress cracks, which is common to fiberglass. Overall, this helmet has a spectacular mirror-like finish. The original reich and state kokarden are both in place. The wappen (metal coat-of-arms front plate) is quite attractive and has a very handsome patina. The Garde Star in the center of the wappen is especially handsome. All of the other furniture, including the chinstrap, spike, trim etc., is gilt. The interior of the helmet has a very good leather sweatband that shows gentle wear. The rust-colored silk liner is complete and in fine condition. Up high near the sweatband there is some black staining, which is not detractive to the overall interior. Penciled into the interior of the helmet, under the silk liner, is the size of the helmet (54), and what may be the owner’s initials. There are, of course, no extra holes where the wappen has been installed. This is just a really pleasing Garde Officer’s pickelhaube in very fine condition. $4,795.00

 

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04-384 PICKELHAUBE FOR A LINE INFANTRY REGIMENT RESERVE OFFICER - PRUSSIA. As you are aware, after authenticity, condition and quality are two factors of utmost importance to me. These days, even common items such as Prussian Infantry officer’s pickelhauben have become increasingly difficult to find. Frankly, I have been appalled by the condition of many helmets I’ve seen. As a contrast to the poor condition of so many officer helmets, I haven’t known whether to be insulted or amused when offered a "built" version of such a helmet as an alternative. Naturally, this means I was delighted to discover this appealing Prussian Line Infantry Regiment Reserve Officer’s pickelhaube. Of course, the term "Line" means this is a less than elite regiment . This term referred to regiments that had neither served in the Napoleonic Wars nor been awarded bandeaux or battle honors for having served in Spain/Portugal or at Waterloo from the period of 1809 to 1815. If you are looking for a clean example of an officer’s helmet from Prussia, this will certainly serve. The leather body is a dandy, with little spidering and no obvious problems. The wappen is very handsome. It is a delightful frosted gilt, with a silver-toned reserve cross attached at the bottom. ALL of the other furniture is also gilt, including the chin scales, officer’s stars, cruciform, spike (an extra tall one), the front visor trim, and the rear trim. An extra fine pair of officer’s kokarden for state and reich are present. Inside the helmet is a lightly-used leather sweatband and a silk liner, with a bit more wear and shredding as we often see than we prefer to offer. If this helmet has any fault, it would be the liner. In my opinion that is a small enough problem to still merit an outstanding rating. Underneath the liner, ALL of the original hardware is present. I am happy to offer this fine helmet to you, today. $2,695.00

 

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04-532 RESERVE OFFICER’S PICKELHAUBE - GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 4- PRUSSIA. This is an interesting Prussian officer’s pickelhaube. I believe it is either an M-1891 or M-1880 officer’s pickelhaube from Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich der Große (3.Ostpreußisches) Nr 4. The regiment was raised in 1626. It was garrisoned at Rastenburg, where it was assigned to the I. ArmeeKorps. Very Prussian Army few regiments were honored with bandeaux on their wappens commemorating major battles in which they fought or important dates in European royalty’s lives. The following Prussian regiments fell into that category, along with Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich der Große (3.Ostpreußisches) Nr 4: Grenadier-Regiment König Wilhelm I. (2. Westpreußisches) Nr 7, Colbergsches Grenadier-Regiment Graf Gneisenau (2. Pommersches) Nr 9, Füsilier-Regiment Graf Roon (Ostpreußisches) Nr 33, and Füsilier-Regiment Königin Viktoria von Schweden (Pommersches) Nr 34. [Other Prussian Army infantry regiments had bandeaux, but all of these had been annexed from either Hannover (Füsilier-Regiment Nr 73, Infanterie-Regiment Nr 74, Infanterie-Regiment Nr 77, Infanterie-Regiment Nr 78, Infanterie-Regiment Nr 164, and Infanterie-Regiment Nr 165) or Nassau (Infanterie-Regiment Nr 87 and Infanterie-Regiment Nr 88)]. Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich der Große (3. Ostpreußisches) Nr 4 was a very elite Grenadier-Regiment. [It was raised long before Friedrich the Great’s (1712-1786) rise to Prussia’s throne. It was later named in his honor while he was still King. Friedrich the Great was the first of Prussia’s major kings. Under his control Prussia became a major European force]. As this is an earlier officer’s pickelhaube, some differences exist between it and a later M-1897 pickelhaube. Der Rittmeister has usually offered M-1897 pickelhauben, however, in the upcoming months we will featuring some earlier models to highlight their evolution. As I mentioned, I believe this is an M-1891 or M-1880 helmet. A slight difference shows in the general shape of the helmet’s leather body. It is not as pronounced as the differences we see in earlier pickelhauben, but the difference exists. The helmet’s leather body is quite fetching. Its leather hardly shows the aging one would expect in a 110-to-120 year-old-helmet. Actually, its condition is excellent. Since it is an earlier helmet, it displays an old-style Grenadier-Eagle wappen. The regiment changed to the style with outspread eagles’ wings in 1888. The center of the eagle’s chest sports "WR" for Wilhelm Rex. Below that is the reserve officer’s cross imprinted with the legend "Für König und Vaterland," and the date, 1813. Reserve officer’s helmets always display this saying on the reserve cross rather than the wappen, which is as it should be. Above the eagle’s crowned head is the bandeau marked "1626" for the regiment’s founding. Due to the bandeau’s placement, only three gold officers’ stars are visible. Also, please note: a much shorter spike than we normally expect appears on M-1897 pickelhauben. The spike is NOT detachable, as are those of later pickelhauben. No reich’s kokarde appears on the helmet’s right side, which is correct for this pickelhaube era. Only a single state kokarde shows on the left side. The helmet boasts a fine pair of chin scales, which appear to be a bit larger than what we usually see on later helmets. A brass spine runs up the helmet’s back, which is typical of  earlier helmets. The interior’s biggest difference is the lack of a SILK liner. The liner is more consistent with what we usually observe on enlisted man/NCO’s helmets. The liner is a multi tongued leather affair that is gathered up with an adjustable cord. It is then sized to fit the wearer. Peeking under the liner, we see that all of the original hardware is in place. No double holes show up here. Simply stated, this is a splendid helmet in impeccable condition. It puts many helmets made twenty-to-thirty years later to shame! $7,595.00

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Kavallerie

04-591 ENLISTED MAN HELMET - REGIMENT der GARDE du CORPS - PRUSSIA. This week we are offering you one of the Imperial German Period’s most sought-after helmets. It is the Regiment der Garde du Corps’s (GdC) helmet. This helmet is in its everyday service (Dienst) configuration, with the spike. The Regiment der Garde du Corps helmet, along with the Orden Pour le Mérite and the Garde-Reiter-Regiment helmet, is one of the three most highly-sought items among Imperial German Militaria collectors. If our hobby possesses a near-equivalent to the "Holy Grail," these three items lead the way. I get more questions and inquiries about these three pieces than anything else. Our offering this week is one of the ever-popular enlisted man’s GdC helmets. The Regiment der Garde du Corps was founded in 1740, during the time of King Frederick the Great. It was garrisoned in Potsdam, and, like all Garde-Regiments, it was assigned to the GardeKorps. The GdC was the most elite of all Prussia’s cavalry regiments. They were key among the Kaiser’s Garde-Regiment troops. They usually accompanied him at most functions in the field. Many photos show a GdC trooper brandishing the Kaiser’s personal standard to announce the Kaiser’s presence while standing near him. The helmet ‘s body is gilt, with a fine, burnished patina. It is clear that the helmet has not been cleaned in decades. [The cleaning of metal helmets is really a matter of taste. As they were constantly polished when new, it is not a problem if a collector chooses to clean the helmet. I simply urge a superior-quality, NON ABRASIVE polish (similar to Simichrome®) if you opt to clean ANY metal helmet). Unlike many Küraßier helmets that present a dimpled metal exterior, our example displays a very fine, UNDENTED exterior. The helmet’s wappen is quite handsome. It is silver with the exception of the Black Eagle in its center. Its patina is consistent with the helmet’s body. The Black Eagle is in extra fine condition. The massive chin scales are in place. Their full leather backing is also present. The oversized Garde du Corps/Küraßier-style state and reich’s kokarden are present (just for your information these kokarden measure 2 3/4" in diameter, rather than the 2" of other pickelhauben). The front and rear visors’ trim is silver-toned. The spike’s base is silver, while the spike itself is gold-toned, like the helmet’s body. Special mention must be made of the helmet’s "lobstertail." It is a key component of Küraßier helmets, of which the Regiment der Garde du Corps is an example. The extra long tail was meant to protect its wearer from slashing swords in combat. (While this was not a particular consideration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in Napoleonic times most mounted combat involved swords and lances). A total of eleven contrasting silver bolts secure the "lobstertail" to the helmet. They lend it the scalelike appearance that resulted in its "lobstertail" nickname. Three segments of it are attached together, then those three in turn are attached to the helmet’s body. Such stunningly sumptuous handiwork is the hallmark of Imperial German Period Militaria. Inside the helmet is the normal enlisted man’s style of leather liner. It is a nine-tongued arrangement, wherein each tongue sports a hole through which a thong is passed for a drawstring effect. This allows the wearer some flexibility in sizing to get a more comfortable fit. Unfortunately, no sizing thong is present. The complete inner liner is present, although it is brittle from age. Applying a leather conditioner can return some moisture to the dry leather and prevent further deterioration. The number "1903" is stamped inside the helmet, which may well be the date that it was manufactured and placed into service. The number "57" is stamped inside the rear visor, indicating the helmet’s size. I would like to share one other point with you. Looking under the kokarde, we can see that the helmet is indeed a Garde-Küraßier helmet. It also reveals that the helmet has NOT been built up from another Küraßier helmet. This Garde du Corps helmet is the "real deal!" It is a lovely, original helmet with a charming personality to match its patina. It would make a fantastic addition to any collection. $6,995.00

 

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04-328 M-1867 KÜRAßIER RESERVE OFFICER HELMET FROM A LINE REGIMENT - PRUSSIA. This is a fascinating M-1867 Reserve Officer’s helmet for a man serving in Küraßier Regiment Nr 3, 4, 5, 7, or 8. These five regiments were considered extremely elite, although four others did outrank them. [Garde-Küraßier-Regiment, Leib-Küraßier- Regiment Kurfürst (Schlesisches) Nr 1, Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2, and Küraßier-Regiment Kaiser Nikolaus I. Von Rußland (Brandenburgisches) Nr 6 were considered the cream of the Küraßier regiments. They held special status within the realm of heavy (armored) cavalry]. This helmet has a silvered exterior with gilt on the front and rear visors, chin scales, cruciform, and spike. The wappen is also gilt, with a silvered Reserve Officer Cross in the eagle’s center. The helmet’s body displays the highly prized "Lobstertail" typical of a Küraßier (also of the Jäger zu Pferde [Hunter on Horseback]). The helmet body’s general appearance and condition are quite pleasing. The one or two VERY small dings are barely noticeable, and are in no way detractive to the helmet’s beauty. The massive officer’s chin scales and kokarden are quite striking. The base of the spike assembly has an old repair, making it somewhat unsteady on the helmet. It is fine but one should be careful not to lift it by the spike, or the spike’s base. Some of the most distinctive features of the officer’s Garde du Corps or Küraßier helmet are its amazing sidepost mountings. They are arrayed in a clover-like arrangement (three petals). The interior of the helmet is also quite clean with a top-quality leather sweatband and fine silk liner. Perhaps two or three years ago I offered and sold a helmet similar to this one for $12,000.00. Admittedly, that helmet was in superior condition. It was as close to being perfect for a helmet of its type as any I have ever seen. The difference is that was a GREAT helmet, while today’s offering is a VERY GOOD helmet. Chances are, had I not mentioned its "problem" above, you might not have noticed it. The truth is, when the helmet is put on display, it will be nearly impossible to detect the fault. Thus, this helmet is a super value for a collector who would like a very high-quality officer’s helmet for an excellent price. $6,995.00

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04-424 ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER’S PICKELHAUBE - LINE-DRAGONER-REGIMENT - PARADE BUSH - PRUSSIA. Today we are offering a sparkling example of a Prussian, One-Year-Volunteer’s (OYV) line-Dragoner-Regiment Pickelhaube. The helmet is correct for Dragoner-Regiment von Bredow (1. Schlesisches) Nr 4, Dragoner-Regiment Freiherr von Manteuffel (Rheinisches) Nr 5, Magdeburgisches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 6, Dragoner-Regiment König Albert von Sachsen (Ostpreußisches Nr 10, Dragoner-Regiment von Arnim (2. Brandenburgisches) Nr 12, or 3. Schlesisches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 15. As we have told you in the past, OYV equipment is one of the best values on the market. Since they were on a different enlistment than most other soldiers, they were required to buy all of their own gear and pay for their housing. They bought their own gear, so they were allowed some leeway in the process. The most leeway was shown with their pickelhauben. They were allowed to wear a pickelhaube that had most of an officer’s attributes, but not all. This helmet has an officer’s style wappen and kokarden (more later). The biggest thing the man did was not have officer’s stars on the cruciform. He used NCO-style lugs, instead. That said, it is still an officer’s style cruciform with a pearl ring. Thus, you are getting something that is near-officer, but not as expensive. It gets even better when we examine the helmet’s interior! I am always quite pleased when I can acquire a fine OYV helmet like this. I personally feel they are a great value. The helmet’s leather body is quite pleasing. Some dings and imperfections show in scattered places, but the leather remains supple and in fine condition. We must not forget that the front visor is squared. Only Dragoons and Prussian Army generals wore a squared front visor. All of the helmet’s furniture is silver, with the exception of the gilt chinscales. The helmet adheres to the pre 1897 specifications. The man has attached only the officer’s State of Prussia Kokarde on the helmet’s right side. After 1897, men generally wore their state kokarde on the left and the reich’s kokarde on the right. Typically, on one-kokarde helmets like this, the man mounted his state kokarde (the only kokarde) on the right side. Finally, we must discuss the magnificent parade bush on the helmet’s exterior. The trichter is silver, matching the cruciform to which it is attached. The black horse or buffalo hair is in excellent condition. It has been curry-combed and is most impressive. Inside the helmet is a fine officer’s quality leather sweatband. An ultra high-quality silk liner sports an extremely fine weave. The silk is quite soiled, but remains intact with no shredding.
Closer examination of the silk liner reveals a crowned cypher. The crown has seven points, which makes the man a Freiherr (Baron). As for the cypher, we are having difficulty determining exactly what it is. What IS interesting is that a nobleman opted to join the Army as an OYV rather than going in the regular way. Perhaps he did not want to attend the military academy, and felt after his one-year service he would enter the Reserves to become a Leutnant der Reserve. At any rate, this is a double-sharp pickelhaube for every collection. $4,895.00

 

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04-529 M-1915 KÜRAßIER ENLISTED MAN HELMET - XIV. ARMEEKORPS PROTOTYPE. This is an interesting helmet that presents a bit of a puzzle. As we examine it, we can see that it is an M-1915 Küraßier’s helmet, suitable for Küraßier-Regiment von Seydlitz (Magdeburgisches) Nr 7 or Küraßier-Regiment Graf Geßler (Rheinisches) Nr 8. These are the only two Küraßier-Regiments sporting silver-toned helmets with a darkened brass or bronze finish on their wappens. Essentially, this helmet is unissued. It shows the wear of years on its surface. I would venture that it has not been cleaned in decades, if ever. It features the large Küraßier’s kokarden for state and reich. It also has an original, leather chinstrap. The spike is painted gray. It is removable. Inside the helmet is a green-painted front visor and a black-painted rear visor. The standard, enlisted man’s, leather-tongue liner is in place. All of the tongues are in place, but the sizing thong is missing. The inside of the helmet is marked "C. E. Juncker 1915." The wappen is held in place by two small pieces of leather, which was very typical for enlisted helmets. Now comes the mystery. Attached on the helmet’s right side is a tag measuring 2 1/2" x 2" It marks the helmet as a prototype. I have seen these tags before. Usually, they have been for the War Ministry. This one is stamped "Kriegs-Bekleidungsamt des XIV. ArmeeKorps." The tag is dated 25 August 1915. What is even more curious -- neither of these regiments were assigned to the XIV. ArmeeKorps prior to the beginning of WW I! As a matter of fact, NO Küraßier-Regiments were assigned to this ArmeeKorps. The helmet is all original and very handsome. It is as fine an example of an M-1915 wartime production Küraßier’s helmet as you will ever find. $5,095.00

 

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04-448 ONE-YEAR-VOLUNTEER PICKELHAUBE - LINE-KÜRAßIER-REGIMENT - ORIGINAL STORAGE BOX - PRUSSIA. This is a helmet in very fine condition for a One-Year-Volunteer (OYV) from a Line-Küraßier-Regiment. The different regiments that used such a helmet were Küraßier-Regiment Graf Wrangel (Ostpreußisches) Nr 3, Küraßier-Regiment von Driesen (Westfälisches) Nr 4, Küraßier-Regiment Herzog Friedrich Eugen von Württemberg (Westpreußisches) Nr 5, Küraßier-Regiment von Seydlitz (Magdeburgisches) Nr 7, and Küraßier-Regiment Graf Geßler (Rheinisches) Nr 8. As with all küraßier helmets, it is made from metal (this was also true with helmets from the Regiment der Garde du Corps and Jäger zu Pferde-Regiments). The helmets were quite striking with their lobstertail rear visors. The metal helmet and the extra-long rear visors offered the wearer greater protection against slashing swords.  The helmet’s body is a fine, privately-purchased, officer’s style. Some crazing shows in spots on the silver-toned body. If the new owner desires, this can be fixed and the exterior brought to a high state of luster by using a high-quality, non abrasive polish. On the back of the helmet are three small dents. Two of them are diagonal. They look similar, so whatever impacted the helmet probably made those two dents at the same time. The dents are NOT deep, but they are present. The chin scales are gilt and in excellent condition. The wappen is an officer’s style (one of the things allowed under the provisions of the OYV program). Oversized, enlisted-style state and reich’s kokarden are present. Inside the helmet is a lovely leather sweatband. The silk officer’s style liner is very rich. It has a gilt cypher on it that I believe is an "I" or a "J."  Furthermore, the rear visor is lined in a high-grade black velvet, while the front visor is lined in leather. This arrangement is very much officer’s level in Garde du Corps and Küraßier helmets. Under the liner we see all of the original hardware, and no extra holes where the wappen is attached. Finally, an extra-tall storage box is included with the helmet. This is far larger than a normal pickelhaube box, allowing the extra room needed for a küraßier helmet’s increased height. This is a very impressive set. $5,995.00 

 

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04-233 PICKELHAUBE TO A ONE YEAR VOLUNTEER KÜRASSIER IN A LINE REGIMENT - PRUSSIA. A One Year Volunteer helmet can be a good way to compromise between an enlisted man’s pickelhaube and a true officer’s helmet. Often the One Year Volunteer helmet shares many similarities with an officer’s helmet. Like an officer’s helmet, it is a private purchase. An enlisted man would wear an issued piece from the army depot where he also received his uniforms and other gear. The One Year Volunteer helmet can have many features of an officer’s helmet. This is especially true concerning the chin scales, helmet style, helmet trim, and even the interior. This is particularly true of the helmet we offer today. This helmet is a "lobstertail" design, with the extra long extension down the neck. Kürassier were heavy cavalrymen (armored), so this was a desirable feature for protecting the neck from a slashing sword. The exterior is silver-toned and is generally quite pleasing. There are a few small dimples toward the reverse of the helmet. The superb chin scales are gilt, as is the wappen, the base for the spike (the spike itself is silver), the trim, and the small bolts on the lobstertail. A fine pair of enlisted kokarden are in place under the chin scales. Now, one of the really interesting features of this helmet is the interior. A "pure" enlisted man’s pickelhaube has a leather, multi-tongued-style liner, with a leather thong placed through each tongue. This permits adjustable sizing. However, this helmet has a "pure" officer-style silk liner. It is red in color. Attached to the silk liner (which is near mint, I might add) is a single cypher. It is quite pleasing nevertheless. In peeking under the liner, it appears that a label for the manufacturer was once in place, but it is no longer present. This is a really keen-looking helmet. I recently sold an officer’s version of this helmet for $12,000.00. You can see the difference in price between a One Year Volunteer and an officer’s helmet; this is a real bargain. $5,495.00.

 

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04-592 ENLISTED MAN M-1915 JÄGER zu PFERDE PICKELHAUBE. Jäger zu Pferde-Regiments were an unusual development for the German Army. The real question is "Why would one establish a new type of cavalry regiment (not to mention ANY kind of cavalry regiment) beginning in 1905)?" From 1905 through 1913 Prussia created a total of thirteen Jäger zu Pferde-Regiments. With the development of more effective weapons such as the machine gun, however, cavalry charges were a thing of the past. This was proven in WW I ‘s early days. Within a year, cavalry regiments were serving in the trenches as dismounted cavalry with their infantry brethren. The helmets worn by the Jäger zu Pferde were similar to those from Küraßier-Regiments. That is, the helmets’ bodies were metal, including the extended rear visors commonly called "lobstertails." The extended rear visor was developed to protect the wearer from sword slashes in the 18^th and 19^th Centuries. Today our offering is an enlisted man’s M-1915 Jäger zu Pferde Pickelhaube. The helmet’s color is gunmetal gray. The helmet’s exterior is generally quite pleasing, with two very small dents. Its wappen is gilt-toned. This was correct for men who served in Jäger zu Pferde Regiment Nr 8 through Jäger zu Pferde Regiment Nr 13. In addition, the spike’s base and the spike itself are gilt-toned. The front and rear visors’ trim is also gilt. Finally, the rear visor boasts nine gilt studs/rivets. In my opinion, the gilt furniture contrasts quite attractively with the gunmetal finish. Other final touches worth mentioning are the finely-conditioned large Küraßier-style gilt chin scales and oversized state and reich’s kokarden. These large kokarden are only seen on Küraßier and Jäger zu Pferde helmets. [It is worth noting that silver wappens and silver furniture was seen in Regiment Königs-Jäger zu Pferde Nr 1 through Jäger zu Pferde Regiment Nr 7]. The helmet’s interior reveals a complete leather liner (except for the drawstring). The liner is in fragile condition, with much cracking and dryness. We have applied a leather conditioner to restore some moisture to it. The interior’s center sports four original nuts and washers, as well as "C.E. Juncker 1915." This firm, which produced all manner of military gear and accouterments, made a large number of Küraßier and Jäger zu Pferde-Regiments’ helmets. The final detail is that the wappen is mounted to the helmet from the inside.  We rarely have the opportunity to offer a helmet such as this one. We are pleased to do so today. $3,495.00

 

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04-566 RESERVE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - DRAGONER-REGIMENT Nr 16 - PRUSSIA/HANNOVER. This is an officer’s pickelhaube from 2. Hannoversches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 16 in fine condition. It was the second of the Hanoverian Dragoon regiments, founded in 1813. It was garrisoned at Lüneburg, where it was attached to the X. ArmeeKorps. The regiment, like all Hanoverian units, was absorbed into the Prussian Army after the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. The regiment proudly served at Waterloo in 1815 during the final battle against Napoleon. In 1897, Kaiser Wilhelm II reinstituted these battle bandeaux the Hanoverian regiments had been awarded, allowing them to be displayed once more. This helmet is easily distinguished for being from Dragoner-Regiment Nr 16, since it was the only regiment to wear the combination. The only other Dragoner-Regiment to wear bandeaux was Dragoner-Regiment Nr 16's sister regiment, Dragoner-Regiment König Carl I. von Rumänien (1. Hannoversches) Nr 9. This regiment wore bandeaux from Waterloo, Peninsula, and Göhrde. Our helmet’s body is quite attractive and in very fine condition. The exterior is problem-free and quite supple. The front visor is squared rather than rounded, which makes the Dragoon helmet distinct in most of the German armies. [The exceptions are Bavaria and Württemberg’s Dragoons, which sport squared visors]. The wappen is silver-toned. It features the Waterloo bandeau under the eagle’s neck. Below the bandeau is the Reserve Officer’s Cross. The trim, the cruciform, and the spike are also original. The curved chin scales and officer’s stars are gilt. The state and reich’s kokarden are present. Inside the helmet is an exceptional leather sweatband. It boasts top-quality, high stitching all around. The words "Markes Garde du Corps" are embossed on the sweatband. A green silk liner also bears the stamp for this firm. The silk liner does show some wear and some shredding, although it is complete. Under the liner, we see a paper tag from the same firm, along with the owner’s head size (54 ½). All the original hardware is present, with no double holes. It is a fine helmet from a very elite regiment. $6,495.00

 

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04-473 RESERVE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - LINE DRAGONER-REGIMENT - PRUSSIA. This is a very fine Reserve Officer’s Pickelhaube from a Dragoner-Regiment. This helmet is correct for Dragoner-Regiment Nr’s 7, 8, 11, 13, or 14. We can determine this due to its gilt wappen. Line-Dragoner-Regiments that use a silver wappen are Dragoner-Regiment Nr’s 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, and 15. The leather body’s front visor is squared. The body is generally in good condition, although some minor leather cracking appears, and the crown has settled a bit. All of the furniture is gilt-toned, as well as the wappen (which sports a Reserve Officer’s Cross), as previously described. The spike is a bit taller than many Prussian officer’s pickelhauben. Both of the officer’s state and reich’s kokarden are present. Inside the helmet is a moderately-used leather sweatband and a lightly-used silk liner. Under the liner, no double holes appear where the wappen is attached. Furthermore, ALL of the original hardware is present. The helmet is a size "57." This is an attractively conditioned Dragoon Officer’s Pickelhaube. $3,795.00

 

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04-358 NCO MOUNTED DRAGOON FOR SERVICE IN CHINA PICKELHAUBE. This week we offer a very rare example of a pickelhaube for an NCO Dragoon serving in China during the period of 1900-1910. This helmet could very likely have seen service during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. The helmet was acquired this summer from a longtime collection. It was described as the subject helmet in the book "Pickelhauben (Spiked Helmets) The Glittering Age: German Headdress from the Seventeenth to the Twentieth Century 1650-1918" by Dr. Eric Johansson. It appears on page 170 of that book, which was published in the 1980's. On page 170 the description as written by Dr. Johansson is: "COLONIAL SERVICES MOUNTED DRAGOON NCO DRAGOON HELMET - Black leather formed body with all brass fittings, including cruciform base spike with NCO perlring and plain stud retainers. The chin scales are brass, convex and secured by matching rosettes. A single reichskokarde in the national colors is worn on the right side of the helmet. The frontplate consists of the colonial services eagle, picked out in brass." The helmet is in very fine condition for its age, and for having seen service in China. The leather body is supple and well preserved. The left rear quarter shows some scuffing, but overall that is not detractive. All of the furniture is gilt and is quite handsome, especially the wappen and the chin scales. As mentioned in Johansson’s description, the single reich’s kokarde is present on the right side of the helmet. The interior of the helmet is also quite pleasing, with all tongues of the liner in place. The sizing thong is not present. All in all, this is a very fine example of a scarce variation of a Dragoon helmet. Its status as a "textbook example" adds a certain cachet to its value. This is the third time that I have been able to acquire an article of headdress that was featured in this book. They always prove quite popular. If you would like a copy of the section of the book that describes this helmet, I would be very pleased to enclose one. $4,895.00. .

 

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Minenwerfer, Train-Abteilung, Pionier, Etc.

04-460 OFFICER HEADDRESS GROUPING - MINENWERFER-KOMPAGNIE - PRUSSIA. During WW I, Minenwerfer units were mortar detachments firing from the trenches. They gave the ground troops even closer artillery support than the Feldartillerie-Regiments working further to the rear. Mortars were ideal weapons for trench warfare. They could be positioned IN the trenches to lob shells at the opposition, both on open ground or in opposing trenches. Mortar use was a fairly recent development in warfare technology during WW I. Mortars took an even greater role in WW II. They are still an important part of close artillery support for fielded infantry. In all my years of collecting, I had never seen any Minenwerfer headdress. I had seen pictures, but never beheld one in person. The person from whom I bought this also had never seen one before. He was quite excited about it when he offered this to me. This grouping once belonged to an Oberleutnant Freiherr von Althaus. Von Althaus served in the 26 Infanterie-Brigade and in Minenwerfer-Kompagnie Nr 13. It is quite probable that von Althaus commanded the company. At this point in time I have no additional historical research on this man but, perhaps, further details can come forward. His name and unit information appear on three of the four pieces that comprise the grouping.  The grouping consists of the following items:

Prussian Officer’s Pickelhaube for Freiherr von Althaus, as detailed to a Minenwerfer Detachment. On first inspection, this looks like a fairly-standard Prussian line-infantry officer’s pickelhaube. Upon closer inspection of the wappen, one sees a small, silver-toned Totenkopf attached just under the "FR" on the eagle’s breast. This small Totenkopf with its blacked-out eyes was unique to Minenwerfer units. The rest of the helmet’s furniture is gilt. All of the furniture is of superior quality, with a first-rate patina. The spike is of average height. It is not one of the ultra-tall models. Its leather body is generally well-above-average, but could not be described as mint or excellent. Some cracking and crazing appear on the leather. The state and reich’s kokarden complete the exterior. Inside the helmet is one of the leather sweatbands with extra stitching that was highly favored by the nobility. This sweatband has seen extensive use, but aside from some sweat-staining, is problem-free. The back visor has a button with the size "56 ½" on it. The silk liner is complete, but has seen extensive use. It reveals significant evidence of sweat-staining and other soiling. Under the silk liner, all of the correct and original hardware is present. A tag under the silk liner indicates that the pickelhaube was von Althaus’ property. A manufacturer’s label states this is a size "56 ½." No double holes appear in this helmet, of course. This is a pickelhaube that, while in good condition did see extensive use. It did not sit in a corner somewhere!

Prussian Officer’s Visor Cap for Freiherr von Althaus as detailed to a Minenwerfer Detachment. This is a top-grade officer’s feldgrau visor cap which was owned by von Althaus. The exterior is in excellent condition. We see a solid feldgrau top accented by a small band of black trim. Two other small trim bands frame a wide, black-velvet band in the center of the cap. The wide band has one of the two kokarden mounted on it. A small, silvered Totenkopf is mounted between the two kokarden. A hint of a small moth nip appears on the cap’s top. It has not even bloomed into a small nip. The exterior’s final touch is a fine, bright, black visor.
Inside the cap is a first-rate, leather, sweatband, which is loose in one spot, but complete and very fine. The silk liner sports a major sweat stain. Our man did perspire, as can be seen in both pieces of his headdress! The same paper tag that was in the pickelhaube appears in this liner as well. It is a superb visor cap.

Deluxe Storage Box for BOTH the Pickelhaube AND the Visor Cap of Freiherr von Althaus. This is one of the more unusual pickelhaube storage boxes I have encountered. It is not shaped like a conventional box. Instead it is wider, allowing the visor cap to be placed beside the pickelhaube. It has a paper label on its side, indicating the unit designation and von Althaus’ name. The manufacturer’s name is also listed on this label, which matches the label in his pickelhaube. So, it is quite evident that all of the labeling was done by the firm that provided his headdress. (This is also further confirmation of the grouping).

Pair of Shoulder Boards for an Oberleutnant in a Minenwerfer Detachment. These shoulder boards are for a Prussian Oberleutnant. Each pair sports the single pip of its rank. Furthermore, each of the boards has a gilt "MW" attached to its obverse. Red trim encircles the board and covers the black-velvet backing that extends past the board’s edge. The boards are of the sewn-in variety. They are in very fine condition, overall.

Material from small elite units such as Minenwerfer and machine gun units are highly-prized by collectors. This is a very rare and desirable grouping, especially since it once belonged to a Baron. $17,995.00 

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04-554 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - PIONIER-BATTALION Nr 1 OR PIONIER-BATTALION Nr 3 - PRUSSIA. This is a marvelous, extremely difficult-to-find officer’s pickelhaube. It came from either Pionier-Battalion Fürst Radziwill (Ostpreußisches) Nr 1, or Pionier-Battalion von Rauch (1. Brandenburgisches) Nr 3. The first unit was founded in 1780. It was stationed in Königsberg i.Pr., where it was attached to the I. ArmeeKorps. The second unit was formed in 1741 and garrisoned in Spandau. It was attached to the III. ArmeeKorps. These are the only two Pionier battalions to wear this particular helmet, for reasons we will explain further on. The helmet features a well-formed leather body. Some minor spidering and cracking appears in one area, but it is far from detractive. All of the helmet’s furniture is silver (wappen, spike, spike base, and trim), with the exception of the flat gilt chin scales and gilt officer’s stars. The helmet’s wappen is particularly captivating. It is of the heraldic variety, similar to early Grenadier Regiments’ eagles. [Grenadier Regiments started shifting away from this wappen style around 1890. The last of their regiments converted in 1913. These two Pionier Battalions retained the wappen style, since they were the Prussian Army’s two oldest]. The officer’s state and reich’s kokarden are in place, as is correct. Inside, the helmet boasts a lightly-used leather sweatband and a gently-worn, rust-colored, silk liner. Aside from some normal soiling, the liner is excellent. As we look at the helmet’s interior, no double holes are apparent, and ALL of the original hardware is in place. It is a very clean and fine example of a difficult-to-find officer’s pickelhaube from these two famous Pionier-Battalions, both of which played key roles in the Napoleonic Wars, the Franco-Prussian War, and WW I. $4,995.00

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04-318 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE FOR A LINE PIONIER-BATTALION - PRUSSIA. This is a first-rate example of a pickelhaube from an officer who served in a Prussian Pioneer Line Battalion. This helmet would have been correct for Battalion Nr’s 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 20, or 30. The other Prussian Battalions (Nr’s 1, 3, and 10) used a slightly different wappen. One Garde-Pionier-Battalion also existed. I know inquiring minds want to know how one tells one Pionier pickelhaube from another. That is a very good question! We start with a rounded front visor, like an infantry helmet. Next, we have the wappen, cruciform, trim, and spike all in silver. The chin scales and officer’s stars are gilt. Thus, we can safely identify this as a Pionier helmet instead of an infantry helmet. I would like to point out that the condition of this helmet is exceptional. The leather body is just gorgeous. All of the furniture, whether silver or gilt, is excellent. The correct kokarden for Prussia and the reich are present. The interior of the helmet is equally as clean. It sports a fine leather sweatband and a complete silk liner. Under the liner we can see that the helmet is a size "56." We can also see that all of the original hardware is correct and in place, as it should be. This helmet is 100% original and in superb condition, overall. $4,295.00 ..

 

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04-431 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - VETERINARIAN - PRUSSIA. This is a very fine example of an officer’s pickelhaube for a man who served as a veterinarian in the Prussian Army. This man probably was assigned to a Dragoner-Regiment. The leather body’s finish is quite handsome. Some settling appears at the helmet’s top where the cruciform is attached. This happens occasionally, due to the weight of the cruciform, spike, etc. settling into the leather body. Most collectors do not consider this a major problem, however, I wanted to mention it. This will be depicted in greater detail in our attached photos. This pickelhaube has the squared visor of a dragoner’s helmet. All of the furniture is silver with the exception of the four gilt officers’ stars. The helmet has a high-caliber wappen with a luscious, frosted finish. An official’s small, gilt, eagle has been attached to the wappen. The other silvered furniture is exquisitely appealing, with superb chin scales (all the leather behind the chin scales is present), cruciform, pearl ring, and a sharp-looking spike. The officer’s state and reich’s kokarden are present as well. Inside, a leather sweatband shows moderate use. Furthermore, a splendidly conditioned light-green silk liner appears. Under that liner, all the original hardware is present, with no double holes where the wappen is attached. This is a seldom-seen variety of pickelhaube in fine original condition. $2,695.00   

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04-427 MINIATURE PICKELHAUBE. This is a miniature pickelhaube measuring 2 ½" x 2 ½" x 2 1/4." It has a black velvet exterior. The chin scales, rear trim, and kokarden are gilt-toned. It displays no wappen, and never had one. Interestingly, it has a squared visor, such as would appear on a dragoon’s helmet. While this is in the shape of a pickelhaube, it is in fact a case for a patriotic piece of jewelry. When we tip the top of the helmet away (it has a metal hinge on the reverse), on the white silk upper lid embossed in gold is "Zur Erinnerung an den Weltkrieg 1914." In the base are two vertical slits where an object was once housed. It can still be used as a display for rings, pendants, pins, etc. It is a superb piece and a real attention-getter. $295.00 

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04-394 MINIATURE PICKELHAUBE - UNITED STATES. This is another of the very popular miniature pickelhauben. This example is made of a silver-toned metal. It is not a typical metal helmet (not designed for a küraßier, GdC, etc.). The detail is good enough to reveal it is an American helmet. It measures 2" x 1 1/4" x 1 3/8." Along with the silver-toned exterior comes a gilt-toned wappen, cruciform, and spike. Initially I identified this as a Prussian pickelhaube. One of my favorite people in the world (and a sharp-eyed bugger to boot) advised me that I had erred describing it. He told me it was in fact a pickelhaube from the United States! I pulled it back out, and had a look. He is 100% correct. The cruciform is different, as is the eagle, of course. The latter is vastly different from those that appear on Prussian pickelhauben. In the last quarter of the 19th Century pickelhauben became very popular with the armies of the world. This was also true here in the U.S. where our army also adopted the pickelhaube. Thanks for clearing up the confusion, Roberto! $125.00

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04-371 XPB POSTAL SERVICE IN CHINA PICKELHAUBE. This week we offer a really unusual consignment piece that comes from the premiere collection of colonial items in the USA. The owner of this pickelhaube put together a truly amazing display at the 2004 MAX Show in Charlotte, NC. He brought an entire truckload of items to the show to share with other collectors. He had examples of headdress, tunics, etc. from every major German colony (German East Africa, German Southwest Africa, and China) and even some of the VERY minor ones that the average collector would not recognize. This gentleman is known as an authority on the German colonies. He has been of tremendous help to me as I try to become more knowledgeable about the subject. He has helped edit my descriptions for this site in order to give you more complete and accurate information about colonial items. Items from German colonies are becoming increasingly interesting to me. Whenever possible, I am seeking out interesting colonial items for you. We have even added a separate "COLONIAL" page to our web site to further this truly interesting segment of collecting. The pickelhaube we are offering this week is quite rare. It is for a Postal Serviceman who served in China. Pause just a moment and ask yourself, "How many men could have been involved with the Imperial German Postal Service in China?" How quickly one realizes the singularity of this particular helmet! Germany began its Chinese colony in the 1890's. As a part of that development, She established postal service for those Germans based in China. {In an interesting aside, one of the German concerns established in China was a brewery, which was then known as "Germania Brewery". This business evolved over the years into the brewery (and beer) that we in the West know as Tsingtau. [Germany had a naval base in the city with the same name. I would add that Tsingtau is an excellent beer. I always thought it was good beer, NOW I know why]!} As Germany expanded its influence in China, postal service was established in Peking, Shanghai, Tientsin, and other cities. This helmet would have been worn by a Reich’s Post Administrator serving in China. The body of the helmet is felt, instead of the leather that would have been used in Germany. It has all gilt-furniture. The wappen is typical of colonial service wappens, with the exception of the addition of a postal horn in the eagle’s talons at the bottom. Interestingly, this same style of postal horn is used by Deutsche Post in Germany today. The helmet displays a beautiful set of chin scales and a short spike. It has a single reich’s kokarde on the helmet’s right side. The helmet’s felt body is in generally good condition. A spot of mothing shows on the helmet’s left front, which will be detailed in our photos. Furthermore, some moth tracking shows on the rear visor. Even with these two minor imperfections, this is an amazingly fine appearing helmet on its exterior. The interior of the helmet has the enlisted man’s style of liner, which is a leather-tongue affair. The sizing thong, by which the wearer could adjust the size, is not present. This liner shows substantial age, but nevertheless is complete. All of the helmet’s interior hardware is present and original. The helmet would date from the period of 1900 to1914. It likely could have been present during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900-01. The owner has provided an interesting historical description of Germany’s time in China and of this helmet, both of which will be conveyed to the new owner. If you are looking for something truly unique for your collection, you can’t miss with this pickelhaube. $3,895.00. . . Reduced To $3,495.00!!0

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04-391 MINIATURE PRUSSIAN PICKELHAUBE. This is a wonderful metal representation of a pickelhaube in miniature. The helmet is colored black with a brass-toned Prussian wappen, chin scales, and spike. The pickelhaube measures 2" in length, 1 1/4" in width, and stands 1 3/8" tall. It is fine for display. I must share one use I have found for it. I have a ceiling fan in my office, and I have converted one of these into a decorative chain pull. I can change the speed at which my fan operates with Imperial style. Let your imagination be your guide as to how you use YOURS! $195.00. .

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Pickelhauben - Headdress - Royalty

04-363 PICKELHAUBE FOR PRINZ ALFONS OF BAVARIA AS REGIMENTAL CHEF OF DRAGONER-REGIMENT Nr 5 COMPLETE WITH SPIKE, PARADE FEATHERS, AND TWO STORAGE BOXES - PRUSSIA. Prinz Alfons of Bavaria is an old friend of ours. Over the years we have been privileged to offer many of his items. These have included uniform, sword, luggage, etc. We invite you to view his biographical sketch (click here to go to our ROYALTY Page). As a member of the Bavarian royal family, Alfons had a military history. He served as a General der Kavallerie in the Bavarian Army. Previous to this date the most important artifact that we have offered was his Bavarian General’s helmet. This was one of my all-time finds. It now resides in the collection of a very advanced collector here in the U.S. I never thought I would be able to acquire another helmet from Prinz Alfons, but last month in Germany, I did!
This helmet is far different from the first one we offered. Aside from his duties in the Bavarian Army, Prinz Alfons also served as the Inhaber (Regimental Chef) of Dragoner-Regiment Freiherr von Manteuffel (Rheinisches) Nr 5. This regiment was founded in 1860. It was garrisoned at Hofgeismar. Alfons was appointed Regimental Chef of the regiment at some point after 1900. Viewing the helmet from the exterior, it appears to be a standard Dragoner line-officer’s helmet. This is because when Alfons wore this regiment’s helmet, he was their honorary oberst, rather than a general. That is why the helmet does not display a general’s wappen, even though Alfons WAS a general. It has a silver wappen, cruciform, pearl ring, spike, and trim (the patina on each of these items will take your breath away). The chin scales are gilt (a really amazing set in terms of quality), as are the officer’s stars. I might add that the spike is very tall for a Prussian helmet, VERY tall. The wappen is a magnificent work-of-art. The exquisite detail to the feathers on the body and wings of the eagle is amazing. The officer’s state and reich kokarden are present. As this was a Prussian regiment, Alfons wore a Prussian kokarde on this helmet, even though he was a Bavarian.
Before we move from the exterior of the helmet, let me confirm that the leather body of the helmet is flawless. The leather body of this helmet is as fine as any I have ever seen. Inside the helmet is a lovely and supple leather sweatband that shows no wear. A crème-colored silk liner is present. It has a metal instead of an embossed cypher for Prinz Alfons which is a bit unusual. Underneath the silk liner we also see a paper label identifying the helmet as Alfons’ property. Under the liner is something else I would like to discuss with you. In the past I have cautioned you about "extra" holes in the area of a wappen. While it is well worthy of being cautious, PLEASE REMEMBER GOOD REASONS CAN EXIST FOR AN OCCASIONAL EXCEPTION. This helmet DOES have an extra pair of holes. Two very neat leather patches are placed over them, both of which are quite old and are clearly period. When I first looked at this helmet, naturally I had a concern. I quizzed the owner about why he thought the holes existed. His answer was (this makes very good sense to me. Indeed, I had already thought of it, but I wanted to see what explanation HE had to offer) that as Alfons was a Bavarian, he bought all of his uniforms and headdress from purveyors in Bavaria. At the time he placed the order for this helmet, the holes had been drilled for a Bavarian helmet. Naturally, the holes for the Prussian wappen did not match up. Therefore, a second set of holes had to be drilled to fit the Prussian wappen. The very neat leather patches were installed to cover the holes intended for the Bavarian wappen.
I believe this is a valid explanation. Let me further explain why I support this theory and why I am convinced this helmet indeed belonged to Prinz Alfons of Bavaria.
The helmet itself is marked twice to Prinz Alfons of Bavaria. I am more familiar with his Cypher than any other German royal. I have seen it in paper form (as is in the helmet) and in metal form as appears on the silk liner.
As I will relate further along in this description, the storage cases (for pickelhaube and trichter) both bear his name. I have seen this many times before on his personal property.
The overall quality of this helmet (and all of the accompanying pieces) is consistent with that of German royalty. All pieces of this ensemble are of the highest quality. This is the type of material that royals expected and demanded.
The leather patches (you can clearly see the age on the patches) for the first set of holes are a period repair. They are so neatly made, it is obvious they had to be done in the original workshops, and not by a modern-day "enhancement specialist."
The source for this is one of my very best in Germany. He has provided many Alfons items to me in the past. His reputation for honesty and knowledge is unexcelled. He, in fact, supplied the first pickelhaube that belonged to Prinz Alfons. He is a trusted friend and business associate whose integrity I have NO reason to question.
For all of these reasons, I had NO qualms in buying this ensemble. As mentioned above, the helmet comes stored in a high-caliber pickelhaube storage case. It has a paper label at the bottom identifying it as Prinz Alfons of Bavaria’ property. Finally, the parade trichter comes in its original storage (ultra rare!!) case, which is also identified as the property of Prinz Alfons of Bavaria. While Alfons was the oberst of this regiment, he still ranked as a general. In this respect, his parade trichter is for a general. These parade feathers are black and white for Prussia, and not blue and white for Bavaria as he would have worn on his Bavarian General helmet. The feathers exhibit some wear, but are still quite pleasing and magnificent when attached to the helmet. This is an important and superb ensemble for a member of the Bavarian royalty and the House of Wittelsbach. $19,995.00 . . .

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20-225 AUSTRIAN GENERAL’S FORE/AFT CAP - CARTRIDGE BOX - SASH BELT - DELUXE STORAGE BOX - HERZOG ROBERT - WÜRTTEMBERG. This week we are offering one of the most impressive headdress items we ever have acquired. It is a bit different from what we have offered in the past. As we discuss its virtues, we believe you will see why we were so drawn to it. Our offering today is a most unusual and beautiful set of items, which once belonged to Herzog (Duke) Robert of Württemberg (1873–1947).Robert was Herzog (and Generalfeldmarschall) Albrecht of Württemberg’s younger brother. [Albrecht was a VERY able troop commander, one of three German royal generalfeldmarschalls commanding large numbers of troops in the field]. When Robert and Albrecht’s father died in 1917 (he had been the heir apparent to the Württemberg throne) Albrecht became Württemberg’s Crown Prince. Four years later in 1921, when Württemberg’s König Wilhelm II died, Albrecht became the Pretender to the Württemberg throne. Following Albrecht’s death in 1939, Robert was the Pretender until his death in 1947 (at the age of seventy-four). In 1900, Robert had married Maria Imaculada Erzherzogin von Österreich in Vienna. They had no children during their marriage. Robert first entered the army as a Sekoneleutnant à la Suite in 1891, when he was assigned to Ulanen-Regiment König Karl (1. Württembergisches) Nr 19. In 1900, he was promoted to Rittmeister in Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Württembergisches) Nr 26. In 1905, he was promoted to Major and Eskadronchef (Squadron Chief) on 2. Pommersches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 9's staff. He was promoted to Generalmajor à la Suite of Dragoner-Regiment König (2. Württembergisches) Nr 26 and 2. Pommersches Ulanen-Regiment Nr 9 in 1913. During WW I, he served as Kommandeur of 26 (1. Kgl. Württembergisches) Kavallerie Brigade. In the latter role he commanded four Württemberg cavalry regiments, and served as a generalmajor. In retirement, he was elevated to the position of Generalleutnant a.D. in the German Army.

HOWEVER. . .

He had an equivalent position (Feldmarschallleutnant) in the Austrian Army due to Austria’s longstanding ties with his native Württemberg AND his marriage to an Austrian royal. Austria’s Kaiser Karl promoted him to this rank early in 1918. The rank had been used by Prussia until early in the 19^th Century. They dropped it during the Napoleonic Wars. Austria continued its use until Kaiser Karl abdicated his throne in 1918, following WWI’s end. In many cases, a Feldmarschallleutnant was a division commander or staff officer. It was the 4^th highest level for a general officer in the Austrian Army.

Austrian General’s Fore & Aft Cap

This sets the stage for the first piece from Württemberg’s Herzog Robert’s stunning group. It is an Austrian General’s Fore and Aft Cap. In the German Navy, such a cap is called a Zweispitz (Two Peaks). The cap is fur-covered (black) with embroidered gold bullion lavishly applied over much of its surface from tip to tip. A strip of the embroidered bullion comes over from the opposite side and boasts a fine, gilt-toned button on its left side. The button has black thread wrapped around it, and serves as a stabilization device to hold the general’s plume snugly atop the cap. (It is a very clever device). Each end of the zweispitz sports a large circular embroidered bullion device, with five levels of braided rope bullion elevating upward. The device’s center features a "K" for Kaiser Karl, who assumed the Austrian throne after Kaiser Franz Josef’s death in 1916. Inside the fore and aft is a superb white leather sweatband and a white silk liner. Both are certain indications of royalty. Embossed on the white silk liner is a crowned "R." I have saved the best for last with this magnificent headdress. A staggeringly glorious cascade of green feathers flows down from the zweispitz’s top to cover the cap in its entirety. I have had a miniature zweispitz for years. I had no idea that it would be as striking as it is on a full-sized example. As a matter of fact, the person who buys the full-sized example will receive the miniature with our compliments! The condition of this spectacular general’s for and aft is very near mint. I would like to share one final detail of the cap with you. A silk device accompanies the cap. It is stretched over the cap’s two ends to protect the magnificent gold bullion of the Kaiser Karl device. Somebody went the extra mile to protect this item of royal headdress. Please have a look at it in the accompanying photographs. The fore and aft cap was probably NOT used very often by Herzog Robert. It has been housed in its case for decades just waiting for YOU!

Austrian Officer’s Belt/Sash

This is an Austrian Officer sash/belt. It would have been suitable for a blue or feldgrau uniform.  While I am quite used to seeing Prussia’s various belts and sashes, this example blows away its German counterparts. It is far more ornate and detailed, which sparked my initial presumption that it was intended for a general officer rather than one of lower rank. The belt is made of an extremely heavy, pliable silk or silk blend. Its color is a rich, dark yellow. The fabric is originally 2 5/8" wide, and its entire length is decorated with four parallel rows of embroidered black hash marks. To create the belt, the fabric has been folded in half, leaving a double row of the black marks on either side. Its brass sizing buckle is decorated with a gold-toned, crowned, double-headed Austrian Eagle and Kaiser Franz Josef’s cypher. Hanging down from the belt’s end are two large tassels that I often compare to"oversized portopees." Each measures 11 1/2" in length from their attachment point to the very bottom. At the top in high-relief yellow bullion we again see Franz Josef’s cypher. The opposite side sports another two-headed Austrian Eagle, this time in high-relief. Below that are the black and yellow thread ringlets that make up the tassel’s body. The condition of this belt/sash is excellent plus. Its overall appearance is incredibly sumptuous and gloriously Imperial.

Austrian Officer Cartridge Box

This is a very handsome cartridge box, appropriate for an officer. It is ornately detailed and measures 6" x 4." The front cover displays a lovely mirrored finish, enhanced by its curved brass frame. The cover’s center is adorned with a magnificent, brass, double-headed Austrian Eagle, measuring 2 3/4" x 3." The sides of the box that flank the lid appear to be made of silver. They certainly look like silver. On those two sides we see an ornate montage of swords, horns, cannons, and cannon balls. The box’s reverse and its bottom are covered by luxurious, hand tooled, red Moroccan leather. Opening the cartridge box, we see the red Moroccan leather continues on the inside surfaces. All of the exterior attachments and tabs are present. The cartridge box has seen little or no use, which is consistent with the other ensemble pieces. This is a delightful and beautifully crafted piece, in top condition.

Deluxe Storage Case for all items

The final part of this presentation is the storage case that has housed all of these items for some ninety years. I have NEVER seen a case quite like this. I have seen special storage cases for general’s helmets and accouterments from Imperial Germany, but never one so large and extensive as this. It was intended to house many pieces of regalia that Duke Robert of Württemberg may have once owned and worn on the few occasions when he was garbed as an Austrian general. The case’s interior had plenty of space to house much more than the three items we described above.
The case’s shape basically conforms to what would be required to hold the fore and aft cap. The case measures 14" x 9 1/2" x 11 1/2."  When fully loaded, the case weighs 10 lbs., and10 ounces. The case’s exterior is covered with a beige canvas-like material. It features many straps and buckles (all of which are present) and a central lock. I am very pleased to say that the key for this lock hangs on a string right beside the lock. Too often the key is the first thing to disappear. This time, however, it is safe with the case. The case opens in a most interesting manner. The entire front folds down. This allows access to the compartment where the fore and aft cap is housed. When folded down, the lid has three horizontal storage areas and two vertical. One can only imagine what else may have been stored in the case at some point, aside from the fore and aft cap, the sash/belt, and the cartridge box. I would certainly not be surprised if his shoulder boards and/or epaulettes were stored in it. The case’s lining is a very handsome red silk. The case in itself is a major prize. I have spent time fiddling with it and admiring the ingenuity of the manufacturer. Somebody clearly took time designing this case before they lifted the first tool to actually make it! In conclusion we are very pleased to offer this very rare grouping of items to you today. When it was first shown to me, I was entranced just by the storage case. I had to hold my breath when the case was opened and its contents revealed. Items from Germany’s royalty are never easy to acquire. Do not forget the complimentary miniature general’s fore and aft cap that we will include with the grouping for your further enjoyment. Although it is not original to the group, it will add a little zest to your enjoyment. This was a real "catch" for us. We hope that you enjoy looking at it as much as we have had presenting it to you. $9,995.00

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Saxony

Kavallerie

Infanterie

 

04-555 INFANTRY OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - SAXONY. This is a very handsome Saxon line-infantry-officer’s pickelhaube in fine condition. It was appropriate for Infanterie-Regiment Nr’s 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,133, 134, 139, 177, 178, 179, 181, and 182. All the regiments listed above feature a brass sunburst and Saxony’s silver Coat-of-Arms. Only 1. Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 100 is different. Its sunburst is silver, and its coat-of-arms is gilt. Our helmet displays a fine black leather body. Some cracking is visible, which we will show in the accompanying photographs. It is in well-above-average condition, however. Aside from its silver Saxon Coat-of-Arms, the rest of the furniture is brass. This includes the flat chin scales, and etc. As is customary with Saxon officer’s helmets, the spike is EXTRA tall. Nobody outdid the Saxons when it came to their spikes’ height! The helmet’s state and reich officer’s kokarden are in Saxony’s unique style. Some Saxon officers used the Saxon pattern on the state’s kokarde, then used the more conventional Prussian pattern for the reich’s kokarde. Our officer was a Saxonian all-the-way. Inside the helmet is a fine leather sweatband. At the helmet’s rear, in the interior, a button on the back visor indicates it is a size "56." Furthermore, a very elegant, light-green, silk liner with a tight flat weave is on display. It is in excellent condition. No double holes appear under the silk liner where the wappen is attached. All of the original hardware is present. $4,395.00

 

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Pionier

Misc.

04-275 PICKELHAUBE FOR AN OFFICER OR OFFICIAL IN THE ZOLL UND STEURVERVERWALTUNG - SAXONY. This is a very fine example of a Zoll und Steurvervwaltung pickelhaube from the Kingdom of Saxony. It is a simply gorgeous example, in spectacular condition. The function of this administrative department was for Customs and Revenue Collections. This is a higher level officials helmet. The leather body is in near-mint condition. The leather is smooth as a baby’s bottom and ultra supple. The leather body is as fine as ANY pickelhaube I have seen. The excellence extends to every other aspect of the helmet. The chin scales are simply superb, as is their leather backing. The wappen is a joy for the eyes. It is stone mint, with a handsome frosted gilt finish. The cruciform and spike at the top "scream" PERFECTION. This helmet would date to approximately 1890. It has one of the most respectable Saxon kokarden I have encountered. The inside of the helmet is also top quality. The leather liner is fresh, original, and complete, including the drawstring. Penciled inside is the size of the helmet, "55.5." There are, of course, no extra holes in the interior. All of the hardware appears to be original to the helmet. The ultimate value in this helmet are its attributes AND its condition. I have not had many helmets in such outstanding condition. Initially I described this helmet as a One Year Saxon Volunteer pickelhaube. A very sharp eyed and knowledgeable reader pointed out my error and after doing further research this indeed a Customs and Revenue administrative helmet. This is actually a very scarce helmet and while not a military helmet is still quite desirable and would be an interesting addition to any collection as Pickelhauben were worn by other agencies of the government and not just the military. $2,595.00

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Saxe-Coburg-Gotha

Infanterie

04-435 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 95 - SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA. This is a very fine officer’s pickelhaube for a man who served in 6. Thüringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 95. This regiment represented the only infantry regiment from the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It was raised in 1807 and assigned to the XI. Armeekorps. The leather body of the helmet is in attractive condition. Some small spidering and cracking appears, but I rate this minimal in a helmet that is around one hundred years old. The furniture for the helmet is all gilt, with the exception of the emblem attached to Saxe-Coburg-Gotha’s wappen. The wappen has the proper "Mit Gott Für Furst Und Vaterland" bandeau as opposed to "Mit Gott Für König Und Vaterland." This is very important to note, as some poorly modified helmets will use a Prussian wappen that says "Mit Gott Für König Und Vaterland." [As an aside, collectors should be watchful for this same type of "Furst" as opposed "König" key on the wappens for the very expensive and rare pickelhauben with the Totenkopf for Infantrie-Regiment Nr 92 from the Duchy of Braunschweig]. Getting back to our star of the hour, the attached Saxon Crown and Coat of Arms is mounted on a silvered sunburst. This complete emblem is VERY handsome and extremely well made. The chin scales are worth mentioning here for their superb quality and condition. Also worth mentioning is the extra-tall, Saxon-style spike. Attached behind the chin scales are the officer’s state and reich’s kokarden. In the helmet’s interior is a lightly-used leather sweatband and gold silk liner. No double holes appear under the liner, just all of the correct and original hardware. This is a very difficult-to-find helmet due to the fact that only one infantry regiment from a very small duchy ever used it. $4,895.00   

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Saxe-Weimar

Infanterie

04-251 RESERVE INFANTERIE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE FOR INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 94 - SAXE-WEIMAR. The Duchy of Saxe-Weimar was a relatively small state. It fielded only one infantry regiment. The regiment was officially designated Infanterie Großherzog von Sachsen (5. Thüringsches) Nr 94. It was raised in 1762. We are speaking here of an extremely rare pickelhaube. It was worn by only ONE regiment in the entire German army. This helmet features a really striking wappen. It depicts an eagle with its wings outspread which shares some similarities with a Prussian infantry wappen. Above this gilt wappen is attached a VERY high relief sunburst, in silver, with the coat-of-arms of Saxe-Weimar. This emblem is far thicker than some that we see for Saxony and the other Saxon duchies. The superb quality and detail to this piece are amazing. Attached to the wappen is a small cross which indicates a Reserve Officer. The other furniture of the helmet is gilt-toned. The spike is a bit taller than many other spikes seen on infantry helmets. Both of the officer style kokarden are in place. The condition of the leather of the helmet is excellent with no major problems or faults. In the interior the leather sweatband shows average use. The silk liner is complete but shows considerable wear and staining from use. Underneath the silk liner, we can see from the metal fasteners that this helmet has not been taken apart. It is 100% original. This is a very fine helmet of pre WW I quality. It dates to about 1900. $5,650.00 . . .

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04-179 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 94 - SAXE-WEIMAR. This is a very scarce officer’s pickelhaube from the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar. This duchy raised only one infantry regiment, which was officially designated as Infanterie Großherzog von Sachsen (5. Thüringsches) Nr 94. The regiment was raised in 1762, making it one of the older regiments in the German army. This helmet, aside from being very scarce, is also in fine condition. The leather of the helmet is in very good shape and retains a good finish. While the Wappen and chin scales are gilt the other fittings with the exception of the officers stars which are also gilt are silver. In particular, looking at the spike we see a lot of tarnish. The Wappen appears to be a standard Prussian officer’s, until you look in the center of the eagle’s chest and you see the device of Saxe-Weimar. The original state and reich kokarden are both in place. The interior of the helmet shows very light wear to the leather sweat band and has a very unusual silk liner. We can also see under the liner that this is size "57" (a bit larger than normal) helmet. Overall, a very delightful example of this uncommon helmet. $4,495.00.

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Württemberg

Infanterie

04-453 RESERVE OFFICER INFANTRY PICKELHAUBE - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is a marvelous Reserve Infantrie Offizier’s pickelhaube from one of Württemberg’s line-infantry regiments. These regiments include: Infanterie- Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm, König von Preußen (2. Württ.) Nr 120; Infanterie-Regiment Alt-Württemberg (3. Württ.) Nr 121; Füßilier-Regiment Kaiser Franz Joseph von Österreich von Ungaren (4. Württ.) Nr 122; Infanterie-Regiment König Wilhelm I. (6. Württ.) Nr 124; Infantrie-Regiment Friedrich, König von Preußen (7. Württ.) Nr 125; 8. Württ. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 126 Großherzog Friedrich von Baden; 9. Württ. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 127; and 10. Württ. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 180. The helmet has a well-conditioned leather body. For100-year-old leather, it is in amazingly fine condition. Some minor spidering and crazing appears in spots. It is quite minimal, and not detractive in any way. A major contrasting point between Prussian and Württemberg infantry pickelhauben is that the Württemberg helmet has a squared visor, while the Prussian has a rounded one. At first glance, one might mistake it for a Dragoner’s piece. All of the furniture (with the exception of the silver Reserve Officer’s Cross) is gilt. The wappen shows normal toning, and has a fine patina. The rest of the furniture is in striking condition. The spike is more standard-sized than our other Württemberg infantry helmet. The officer‘s state and reich’s kokarden are present. Inside, a leather sweatband appears, revealing the normal wear seen in a helmet that has been in the field. The silk liner is complete and intact, showing some very minor soiling. Underneath the silk liner, all of the original hardware is revealed, without double holes. The helmet’s size is indicated as a 54 ½. This was an average size for the time period. Anything in size 56+ was considered large for the day. $3,495.00 

Kavallerie

04-372 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE FOR DRAGONER-REGIMENT Nr 25 - WÜRTTEMBERG. We are very pleased to be able to offer a fine example of an officer’s pickelhaube that would have been correct for Württemberg Dragoner-Regiment Nr 25. This was one of two dragoon regiments in the Kingdom of Württemberg’s army. This regiment was raised in 1813 and garrisoned at Ludwigsburg. The helmet has a pleasing leather body and the squared front visor typical for a dragoon regiment. The wappen and furniture for this helmet are silver, except for the officer’s stars and the chin scales, which are gilt. The wappen is particularly handsome, with a frosted finish and gentle toning. Württemberg’s Lion and Stag stand out most handsomely on this wappen, with the Württemberg Coat-of-Arms between them. The silver of the cruciform and spike are very attractive, with a superb patina. Both the state and reich’s kokarden are present. The Württemberg kokarde is quite similar in style, if not in color, to the Saxon kokarde. [ I particularly admire the helmet’s chin scales as they are set against the other silver fittings. They seem to jump out at the observer]. Inside a gently-used leather sweatband and a green silk liner appear. Under the liner we see that this is a size "57" helmet. All of the fittings are in lovely condition under the silk liner, with no extra holes for the wappen’s installation. This is a very pleasing example of a difficult-to-find helmet for a well known regiment. $6,295.00. . .

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Train-Abteilung

04-311 TRAIN-ABTEILUNG - Nr 13 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is an extra-fine example of a pickelhaube for an officer who served in Württemberg Train-Abteilung Nr 13. This detachment was the ONLY Train Battalion in the Kingdom of Württemberg’s army. It was raised in 1871 and garrisoned at Ludwigsburg. It was assigned to XIII. Armeekorps. Train Battalions were, of course, a late addition to the German Army, with the first battalions forming in the Prussian Army in 1853. By the time WW I began a total of twenty-two Train Battalions existed, of which seventeen were Prussian, two were Saxon, one was Baden, one Hessen, and one hailed from Württemberg. (I believe that you get the idea of this pickelhaube’s scarcity)! Even more important, this helmet is in extraordinary condition and is of the highest quality (for reasons of which we will learn later). Starting with the exterior, we see that the leather body is in stunning condition. The leather is supple with few blemishes and absolutely no problems. The helmet has a squared visor as opposed to the rounded one seen on most infantry helmets (with the exception of Bavaria, of course)! Furthermore, Württemberg was the only state to use a squared visor on its Train Battalion pickelhauben, which makes this example stand out all the more from other Train Battalion helmets. I might add that this is the first Train Battalion helmet I have ever offered. All of the furniture on this helmet is gilt, including the wappen, chin scales, spike, etc. The wappen is especially handsome. It has a fine frosted finish that catches the eye, hinting at this helmet’s splendor. The correct officer’s reich and state kokarden for Württemberg are in place. Inside the helmet we are treated to a white silk liner and white leather sweatband. This, of course, points to a royal personage. {I find it especially interesting that a person of this rank would be attached to a train battalion. More often royals and nobles were attached to cavalry or elite infantry regiments (just another curiosity, I suppose). I don’t have access to a Rangeliste that shows the officers of Battalion Nr 13. It would be interesting to do a bit of research and get a sense of who might have owned this spectacular helmet.} Peeking under the silk liner we see that there are no extra holes. All of the hardware matches and is ORIGINAL to the helmet. This is, plain and simple, a superbly conditioned helmet that was worn by a special officer in a single battalion. I do not get many helmets from Württemberg (I am always looking for them)! Of the four kingdoms (Bavaria, Prussia, Saxony, and Württemberg) it is by far the most difficult for me to find, even though I have many excellent contacts who live in the modern German state of Baden-Württemberg. $6,995.00

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Canvas Covers - Pickelhauben

04-336 WHITE CANVAS PICKELHAUBE OR KUGELHELM COVER FOR AN OFFICER WHO SERVED AS AN UMPIRE AT MILITARY MANEUVERS. Canvas covers for pickelhauben, kugelhelms, etc. are always a popular accessory. This week we offer you two very rare variations. This cover is for either a kugelhelm or a pickelhaube and is white. This example is far cleaner and whiter than the other example we are offering above. It is also different in that it was constructed to allow the ball or spike to protrude through the cover; leaving that portion of the helmet exposed. This was designed this way, and is neatly finished. It is not a matter of somebody snipping off the pouch that would have housed the kugel or spike. I first saw one of these earlier this year. [During the same trip I was able to look at and acquire some magnificent photo albums that were prepared and presented at the behest of Kaiser Wilhelm II to favored royalty and military commanders. These are some of the most interesting photo albums I have ever seen. BUT! That is another story, as I am still enjoying and researching them. I am not quite ready to list them]. I did, however, learn the purpose of the white covers! They were used by umpires during military maneuvers!
I have offered a variety of standard helmet covers in the past, even some with a wide red stripe. The latter were used by officers. The red stripe made it easier for their own men to see them when they were issuing orders. The white covers were to immediately identify the umpires who made decisions on the proceedings during maneuvers. I saw photos of these men, who also wore colored armbands to further identify them. The photos I saw were from the 1903 period, but I would expect these were used prior to and certainly after that date as well. The cover is identical in construction in every way to a conventional kugelhelm cover, with the exception of its white color. Despite having collected for nearly forty years, I had never seen one of these covers before! Yet now in the course of two to three months I have acquired three of them. The first example never made it to my web site. I do not expect these to last long. This is a very rare accessory, and a picturesque touch for you helmet collectors who want something a little different! This will fit a helmet properly. I just have not taken the time for these photos to fit it completely on the helmet. $495.00

 

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04-590 XRP PROTECTIVE COVER - PICKELHAUBE. This is a consignment item. It is a canvas protective cover for a pickelhaube. A pickelhaube cover was useful for two reasons (the same being true for any headdress cover used in the field). First, it protected the helmet from foul weather. Snow, rain, and mud was not good for a helmet’s exterior. In fact, such items could easily be called "foul weather covers." The other reason is that they served to protect their wearers from enemy fire during combat. Early in the war, brass wappens provided excellent targets for enemy snipers. In 1915, wappens were produced with a subdued or gray finish to keep the bright brass from glinting in sunlight. (The introduction of the M-1916 Stahlhelm in 1916 eliminated the problem).
The cover’s exterior and interior are in very fine condition. It would make a fine accessory for any pickelhaube. $250.00

 

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Front Plates (Wappens)

Occasionally I am able to locate a small hoard of the front plates (Wappens) worn on various types of Imperial German headgear, including pickelhauben, busbies, and shakos. While they are important for completing the various types of headgear, by themselves Wappens are wonderful collectibles.  Also, they are far less expensive than the headgear items.

 

04-597 PREWAR OFFICER’S WAPPEN - CAVALRY REGIMENT - PRUSSIA. This is a very handsome pre WW I officer’s wappen from a Dragoner or Jäger zu Pferde regiment. It is correct for either a pickelhaube or a tschapka. It displays a fine brass finish. Please note that it has the open or voided crown, which confirms its officers’ status. The detail on the wappen’s obverse is exceptional. Both screw posts are attached to the reverse. $550.00

 

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04-598 PREWAR ENLISTED MAN’S WAPPEN - INFANTERIE/ ARTILLERY REGIMENT. This is a fine pre WW I enlisted man/NCO’s brass wappen. It was used on a Prussian Regiment’s pickelhaube or kugelhelm. Please note that it has a closed crown, which confirms its non officers’ status. Both screw posts are present. It is a very fine example. $275.00

 

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04-599 ENLISTED MAN’S M-1915 WAPPEN - INFANTERIE/ ARTILLERIE REGIMENT. This is a fine enlisted man/NCO’s M-1915 wappen. It was used on a Prussian Infanterie or Artillerie Regiment’s pickelhaube or kugelhelm. [Please note the wappen’s wartime, subdued gray exterior instead of the prewar brass. It provided a soldier more protection from enemy snipers than did shiny, sunlight-reflecting brass. A further aid against foul weather and sniper fire was a protective canvas cover). Soldiers who served in artillery regiments (kept to the rear) were not in as much danger from snipers as were Infanterie soldiers in the front trenches]. The wappen displays a closed crown, which confirms its non officers’ status. The screw posts are not present. It is a very fine example. $225.00

 

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04-594 RESERVE OFFICER’S WAPPEN - LINE-INFANTRY REGIMENT - SAXONY. This wappen is for a reserve officer in a Saxon line-infantry regiment. It features a gold sunburst and a crowned Saxon Coat-of-Arms over a reserve officer’s cross. The coat-of-arms has a dent in it. Both of the posts are in place on the wappen’s reverse. $450.00

 

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04-596 ENLISTED MAN’S WAPPEN - LINE-INFANTERIE-REGIMENT - SAXONY. This is an enlisted man’s wappen serving in a Saxon Army line-infantry regiment. At first glance it looks similar to Königl. Sächs. 1. (Leib) Grenadier-Regiment Nr 100, but whereas this regiment has a silver sunburst with a gilt, crowned Saxon Coat-of-Arms, the line infantry has just the opposite - a gilt sunburst and a silver, crowned Saxon Coat-of-Arms. The wappen’s reverse sports two clips that are inserted into the pickelhaube’s body and secured with bits of leather. $225.00

 

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04-600 PRE WW I OFFICER LINE-INFANTERIE/ARTILLERIE WAPPEN - PRUSSIA. This is an officer’s wappen from a pre WW I Prussian infantry or artillery regiment. The wappen has a fine brass finish, along with the open or voided crown indicating it is an officer’s wappen. Both screw posts are attached to the wappen’s rear. $325.00

 

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04-601 PRE WW I ENLISTED MAN/NCO’S WAPPEN - PIONIER-BATTALION - PRUSSIA. This is an enlisted man/NCO’s silver-toned wappen from a Prussian Pionier-Battalion. It is a very handsome pre war example. Both screw posts are attached to the wappen’s rear. $275.00

 

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04-602 ENLISTED MAN/NCO’S M-1915 INFANTERIE/ ARTILLERIE WAPPEN - PRUSSIA. This is an M-1915 Prussian NCO/enlisted man’s wappen. With the onset of WW I, all brass wappens were retired, and M-1915 wappens were introduced in their place. They featured a gray-painted (subdued) finish to better protect the men in the trenches from snipers, etc. On the reverse are the simple loops that passed through a pickelhaube or kugelhelm’s holes. A small bit of leather was then be inserted through the loop to keep it in place. It was simple, yet effective. $225.00

 

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04-603 PRE WW I ENLISTED MAN/NCO’S INFANTERIE OR/ ARTILLERIE WAPPEN - SAXONY. This is a fine pre WW I enlisted man/NCO’s brass wappen from a line-infantry or artillery regiment. The wappen’s sunburst is gilt. The Kingdom of Saxony’s crowned Coat-of-Arms is silver-toned. On the reverse are the simple loops that passed through a pickelhaube or kugelhelm’s holes. A small bit of leather was then be inserted through the loop to keep it in place. It was simple, yet effective. $225.00

 

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04-476 ENLISTED MAN WAPPEN - REGIMENT der GARDE du CORPS OR GARDE-KÜRAßIER-REGIMENT. This is a complete enlisted man’s wappen from the Regiment Garde du Corps or the Garde-Küraßier-Regiment. These were two of the German Army’s most elite cavalry regiments. They were the only two military units to wear the Küraßier-style helmet WITH its elaborate dress-parade-eagle. The wappen is in excellent condition, complete with a hand painted eagle in its center. Both posts and screws appear on the reverse to attach the wappen to a helmet. The posts have been soldered (repaired) to the wappen, from which they had either broken-off or become loose. The wappen’s center also shows signs of soldering on its reverse beneath the eagle. This wappen could be an upgrade for a GdC helmet with a poor or damaged wappen. For you wappen collectors, this is a key find to for your collection. $995.00 

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04-573 STATE KOKARDE - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is a Württemberg State Kokarde. After 1897, it was worn on a pickelhaube’s (kugelhelm, etc.) left side. It measures 2" in diameter. The center hole, which slides over the attachment, is 1/2" in diameter. $95.00

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Pickelhauben Storage Cases

04-560 DELUXE PICKELHAUBE STORAGE BOX. A pickelhauben storage box was a very important officer’s accessory. It helped to protect and preserve his pickelhaube when it was not in use, and to safely transport it when the officer was on the move. Most were conical-shaped and housed the helmet only. Depending on the officer’s personal needs, it could sport some interesting variations. For example, some boxes housed not only a pickelhaube, but a visor cap, as well. [An example of such a box is shown below]. Today we are offering an example that I have not seen before. To begin with, the box is cylindrical. It measures 15” tall, and measures 12” in diameter at both the top and bottom. A series of buckles and straps hold the top cover in place when the box and contents are transported. A paper tag is on the handle at the top. As we remove the top lid, we see where the pickelhaube could slide in and over a fitted area. It is here that the box gets very clever. The pedestal’s top lifts off, revealing another pedestal within where an epaulette could rest. Around the inner storage space an officer could have placed personal items such as a parade belt, parade sash, etc. This container for the pickelhaube (and its inner storage area) lifts out of the box, revealing yet ANOTHER area for storing the other epaulette and space for more items such as belts, spurs, etc. If you own a special pickelhaube, here is a wonderful way to display it, or as a part of a display with officer’s personal items. As my wife Melissa would say it is “too cool for school!” $1,195.00

34-62 DELUXE OFFICER STORAGE CASE FOR PICKELHAUBE AND VISOR CAP. On a recent trip to Germany I came across a wonderful set for an officer, including a pickelhaube and a visor cap. It came in a totally different storage case than I had seen before. While basically shaped like a pickelhaube storage case, it is not as pointed at the top. This allows for the storage of BOTH headdress pieces. While I routinely see storage cases for either pickelhauben or visor caps, this is a nifty combination of both into one. It reduced the number of cases required when the officer was traveling. It would make a great addition to any headdress collection. Some of the securing straps on the exterior of the case are missing but the case is in excellent condition. $650.00

 Pickelhauben Parts

04-418 XWB STATE KOKARDE FOR OFFICER - PRUSSIA. This is a consignment piece. This is an earlier model kokarde for a pickelhaube for an officer. It has a smaller diameter hole where it is inserted on the post. This would be suitable for an earlier model Pickelhaube and not for a M-1897. $75.00 

 

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04-604 DEPOT-ISSUED ENLISTED MAN PICKELHAUBE - PIONIER-BATTALION. We are offering an enlisted man’s pickelhaube in field configuration. For parade events, Pionier-Battalions used brass chin scales but the more commonly-seen leather strap was used for regular field configuration, (as displayed on our helmet). The helmet’s leather body is in above-average-condition, considering it is more than 100-years-old and was used by several enlisted men during its life. Some scrapes show here and there, with some minor leather loss. When the helmet came to us, we immediately put a leather conditioner on it. Its appearance quickly improved. Its leather was more supple to begin with than many pickelhauben (especially those from enlisted men). [This serves as yet another reminder to condition your helmets on a regular basis, which keeps moisture in the leather. Dryness leads to cracking and other problems, and reduces the leather’s life. It is no different in this respect than the leather on your car seats or furniture. Remember, conditioner is to leather as water and fertilizer are to a plant].All of the furniture is silver-toned, which is correct for Pionier pickelhauben. This includes the wappen, the base, the spike, the trim, and etc. The spike does detach. A correct leather chinstrap is in place. While two kokarden are attached to the helmet, both are for the Reich. The one on the right is INCORRECT for the helmet (looking at the helmet head on). It needs to be a Prussian Kokarde. It is a relatively small situation to rectify. Inside the helmet is the typical leather liner. Eight of the nine tongues are intact, although the sizing thong is not present. This was a depot-issued helmet and all of those markings appear on the back visor’s inside. Along with all of these stampings, we see that the helmet was first placed into service in 1904. As it has the prewar wappen, it was used a great deal. It might even have been used in the war’s very early days. It is a good enlisted man’s helmet. We rarely see Pionier-Battalion material like this. $895.00TP

 

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