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 7 May 2008. Contact us @: rittmeister@earthlink.net

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German spiked helmets (pickelhauben) and the other headdress of Imperial Germany are our specialty! We have some of the best sources in 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, One-Year-Volunteers, NCO's, smaller states within the Empire, and the more elite regiments and formations in the German military. We tend not to offer the more common enlisted man's headdress from the larger Kingdoms, simply because they are far easier to find.  I prefer the "thrill" of the hunt for those items that are more difficult to track down. 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 the areas of CONDITION. (Few are the areas of Imperial German Militaria where condition is more critical than Imperial German headdress). 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 and other forms of Imperial German headdress.) Many "put-together" helmets exist out there. What may have started out as a Prussian officer's or enlisted man's helmet can be turned into an officer's helmet from another state that is worth 20 times its starting price. If you are looking for the more common enlisted man's pickelhauben, partial helmets, or fixer-uppers, that is not what we do. If you are searching for the BEST IN 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 (that included payment for quarters and provisions) the individual was borne by his family. The German Army permitted a great deal of latitude in pickelhauben style when it came to non-issued helmets. A 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. A 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 collectibility, 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 OF KAISER WILHELM II - GENERALFELDMARSCHALL - NAVY SEE-BATTALION - IN FULL PARADE CONFIGURATION - COMPLETE WITH PARADE FEATHERS AND 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

04-440 LINE-INFANTRY OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - BADEN. After Germany’s four Kingdoms (Prussia, Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony), the two largest military contingents came from the Grand Duchies of Baden and Hesse-Darmstadt. Both were very capable, and featured several fine infantry, cavalry, and artillery regiments. Baden’s leading infantry regiment was 1. Badisches Leib-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 109. This regiment was its most elite. It held Leib (Life) status as the Grand Duke’s personal bodyguard. The regiment was founded in 1803, while all the other "line" infantry regiments were established between 1852 and 1897. The other seven line-infantry regiments were: 2. Badisches Grenadier-Regiment Kaiser Wilhelm I Nr 110, Infanterie-Regiment Ludwig Wilhelm (3. Badisches) Nr 111, 4. Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Wilhelm Nr 112, 5. Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 113, 6. Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Kaiser Friedrich III Nr 114, 7. Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 142, 8. Badisches Infantrie-Regiment Nr 169, and 9. Badisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr 170. The helmet’s leather body is very pleasing. The helmet’s furniture is all gilt, including the wappen, chin scales, etc. The helmet displays a fine pair of officer’s state and reich’s kokarden. The Baden kokarden are the same style as Hesse-Darmstadt, Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Inside the helmet is a very fine leather sweatband showing little wear. The silk liner is nothing short of superb. Stamped on the liner is a series of numbers, probably an inventory number for a German museum. No double holes show under the liner and the hardware is original. Baden’s seven line-infantry regiments are still relatively few compared to Prussia. They created EIGHTEEN line-infantry regiments in 1813 alone, at the height of the Napoleonic Wars. This is a real beauty from this Grand Duchy. $3,795.00

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04-449 RESERVE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - PIONIER-BATTALION Nr 14 - BADEN. This pickelhaube is for a reserve officer from the Grand Duchy of Baden’s Badisches Pionier-Battalion Nr 14. This was the Baden Army’s only Pionier Battalion prior to the beginning of WW I. The battalion was raised in 1850 and garrisoned at Kehl. Prior to the beginning of WW I it was assigned to the XIV. Armeekorps. The helmet has a good leather body. Some cracking appears on the leather in the two rear quadrants, but it is not detractive. The leather’s general texture and condition, aside from the cracking, is quite pleasing. The chin scales, officer’s stars, and officer’s cross are gilt. The wappen, cruciform, spike, and front and rear trim are silver. The front sports the motto "For Fürst und Vaterland." The Baden-style officer’s state kokarde is in place on the helmet’s left side. The Prussian reich’s kokarde is in place on the right. In the helmet’s interior is a lightly-used leather sweatband, and a silk liner that has seen moderate use. The helmet is a size "57," which is a bit larger than usual. A different style on this helmet is that the wappen is secured with short leather thongs, instead of the more commonly-seen screws and washers. It is a very appealing helmet from a seldom-seen unit. $3,495.00

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04-510 PICKELHAUBE BELONGING TO A GRAF IN A DRAGONER-REGIMENT - BADEN. This is an extremely fine, rare officer’s pickelhaube from 1. Badisches Leib-Dragoner-Regiment Nr 20, 2. Badisches Dragoner-Regiment Nr 21, or 3. Badisches Dragoner-Regiment Prinz Karl Nr 22. All three of these regiments hailed from the Grand Duchy of Baden. Baden was one of Imperial Germany’s two largest Grand Duchies, considering the large number of regiments they fielded. Baden boasted nine infantry regiments, three cavalry regiments, five field artillery regiments, one foot artillery regiment, one Pionier-Battalion, and one Train-Battalion, all of which were fielded before 1912. Baden and Hesse fielded Germany’s largest regimental contingents after the four kingdoms: Prussia, Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony. While this helmet could come from any of the listed three regiments, in all likelihood it hails from 1. Badisches Leib-Dragoner-Regiment Nr 20. I say this because the officer who once owned this it was a Graf (Count), and a prominent member of Baden’s nobility. The helmet’s leather body is in prime condition. The leather is supple and problem-free. All of the helmet’s furniture is silver, with the exception of the gold chin scales and officer’s stars. [When I say the furniture is silver, I mean that a wonderful patina has formed on the cruciform, pearl ring and spike (the last is EXTRA tall). It shows they have not been cleaned in years]. The handsomely frosted wappen is a work of art. The details on the griffin are amazing. The chin scales are simply superb. The contrast of the gold officer stars against the silver cruciform is dazzling. The officer’s kokarden for the Reich and Baden are present. As with every other detail, both kokarden are top drawer. I am always drawn to the kokarden from Baden, Hesse, Bavaria, Württemberg, and Saxony. All of them are quite beautiful and distinctive among the other Imperial German states. Inside the helmet is a lightly-used WHITE leather sweatband and a WHITE silk liner. The silk liner shows more evidence of wear. It reveals a bit of shredding or running to the silk, which is quite common. Embossed in black on the silk liner is a Graf’s (Count) crown (it has nine points, rather than a Freiherr’s (Baron) (seven) above the owner’s cypher, "B." Under the silk liner all of the original hardware is present. A penciled-in "56" for the helmet’s size also appears. Of course, no double holes show where the wappen attaches to the leather body. Without a doubt, this is the finest Baden Dragoon’s pickelhaube we have ever offered. It is always difficult to find helmets that can be attributed to members of royalty or nobility. All of the individual pieces in the construction of this helmet are of topnotch quality. This helmet’s original owner knew about quality, and demanded the best in what he wore while he was in the army. $6,995.00  

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Bavaria

04-369 GROUPING FOR A GENERAL MEDICAL OFFICER INCLUDING HIS M-1886 GENERAL PICKELHAUBE, ORIGINAL PICKELHAUBE STORAGE CASE, AND THREE SETS OF SHOULDER BOARDS 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 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 shoulder boards come housed in their original storage carton, where they are tied down to prevent shifting. Each shoulder board 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 shoulder boards. 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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04-320 RESERVE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE FOR A CHEVAULEGERS REGIMENT - BAVARIA. This helmet would have been worn by a reserve officer serving in one of four Bavarian Army Chevauleger Regiments. The Chevauleger variant of cavalry was equivalent to the Dragoons. In the Bavarian Army Regiment Nr’s 2, 4, 6, and 8 wore silver furniture on their helmets. Regiment Nr’s 1, 3, 5, and 7 wore gilt. Regiments that could have worn this particular helmet are: 1. Chevaulegers-Regiment Kaiser Nikolaus von Rußland (raised in1682); 3. Chevaulegers-Regiment Herzog Karl Theodor (raised in1724); 5. Chevaulegers-Regiment Erzherzog Friedrich von Österreich (raised in 1776); and 7. Chevaulegers-Regiment Prinz Alfons (raised in 1905). {You will note that our old friend Prinz Alfons of Bavaria was the Regimental Chef of 7. Chevaulegers-Regiment. We still have several of his personal items on our ROYALTY MERCHANDISE PAGE.}. Our helmet today has a very pleasing leather body that is virtually unblemished. The gilt furniture, including the wappen, chin scales, etc., is in excellent condition. The wappen is especially noteworthy with the reserve officer’s cross in its center. The twin rampant Bavarian Lions depicted thereupon are quite striking. The helmet sports a tall, handsomely fluted gilt spike. An excellent pair of state and reich's kokarden finish off the helmet’s exterior. The interior is the exterior’s equal, with a nearly mint, leather sweatband and a sumptuous green silk liner. This is a superb helmet. For some reason I have a hard time finding Bavarian helmets in the condition I require. I rejected several during my last trip because they just did not meet standards. This one, however, will not disappoint. It is truly a top cavalry helmet. $4,795.00. . .

 

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04-467 OFFICER TRAIN-ABTEILUNG PICKELHAUBE WITH PARADE BUSH - BAVARIA. Here we have a Train-Abteilung Officer’s Pickelhaube in fine condition. Bavaria raised a total of three Train-Abteilungs. Two of them were created in 1873. The third was created in 1900. The helmet’s leather body generally is in very fine condition. Its leather is clean and supple. The chinscales are domed, unlike the flat ones found on infantry helmets. Its wappen is frosted, and displays very fine details. The state and reich’s kokarden are both present and in fine condition. A fluted trichter with a black bush is mounted to the helmet instead of a service spike. This confirms the piece as a Train-Abteilung helmet, since only these three units out of the entire Bavarian Army used black. All other regiments authorized to use parade bushes wore white. Naturally, this makes our offering a very scarce helmet!  Inside, a button states the size as "57 3/4." The leather sweatband has "Aves-Marke" embossed on it. This is also embossed lightly on the silk liner, and a paper tag in the helmet’s interior. All of the correct hardware is in the interior. No double holes appear where the wappen is mounted. $4,995.00

 

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04-457 RESERVE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE WITH PARADE BUSH - CHEVAULEGERS-REGIMENT- BAVARIA. Today we offer you an altogether excellent Reserve Officer’s Pickelhaube from a Bavarian Chevaulegers-Regiment, complete with the white parade bush. Since this helmet has gilt furniture, it would have been correct for Chevaulegers-Regiments Nr 1, 3, 5, or 7. The helmet’s leather body is in very fine condition, has a squared front visor, and shows little or no wear. The correct officer’s state and reich’s kokarden are present. The chin scales look like miniature jewels the way they are connected. The wappen has a beautifully frosted finish, with a large Reserve Officer’s Cross. The large, voided crown on this wappen is particularly impressive, and correct for an officer. The gilt trichter has a very full, well-curried, white bush attached to it. The bush is in as fine a condition as I have EVER encountered, which greatly adds to the helmet’s overall presentation and value. Inside is a complete, leather sweatband that has seen some service. Written on one side of the sweatband is the word "Dames," which probably was the original helmet owner’s name. The silk liner is 100% and in excellent condition, with very light soiling. All of the correct and original hardware is present underneath the silk liner. As you would expect from a helmet of this quality there are NO double holes. This is one sweet pickelhaube that would make an excellent addition to any collection. $4,595.00 

 

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04-459 NCO PICKELHAUBE AND STORAGE CASE - INFANTERIE-LEIB-REGIMENT - BAVARIA. This is a simply wonderful NCO’s pickelhaube from the Bavarian Army’s elite Infanterie-Leib-Regiment. The regiment was raised in 1814 and was garrisoned in Munich. At the outbreak of WW I, it was assigned to the I. Bavarian Armeekorps. While the Infantrie-Leib-Regiment was not the oldest infantry regiment in the Bavarian Army, it was its number one regiment. It was similar to the 1. Garde-Regiment zu Füßilier from Prussia, the Königl. Sächs 1. Leib-Grenadier-Regiment from Saxony, the 1 Badisches Leib-Grenadier Regiment Nr 109 from Baden, the Leib-Garde-Regiment (1. Großherzogl. Hessisches) Nr 115 from Hesse-Darmstadt, and the Grenadier-Regiment Königin Olga (1. Würrtembergisches) Nr 119 from Württemberg. It was a VERY important regiment within the Bavarian Army! The helmet’s leather body is in lovely condition. Some spidering is evident, but overall it displays a very fine leather body. [Here is an interesting aside about this regiment’s helmets. Enlisted men and NCO’s helmets sport rounded front visors, while officer’s visors are squared]. All of the helmet’s furniture is silver, including the chin scales, wappen, base, and spike, as well as the front and back trim. The wappen is an impeccable officer’s style, which an NCO was permitted to purchase. The spike, however, is not fluted as is an officer’s version. Both the state and reich’s kokarden are present. It has a complete, officer’s-quality interior. The leather sweatband is lightly-used, as is the silk liner. Since this was a privately-purchased helmet, rather than depot-issued, our man could specify this interior-type over the less-costly, enlisted, leather-tongue style. Under the silk liner, it is marked as a size "57," a very generous size. All of the original hardware is present, with no double holes.  Accompanying this delightful helmet is an officer’s style storage case. The case’s exterior displays a railroad luggage tag with the name of a Bavarian travel bureau. This is definitely pre WW I quality. I date the helmet from the period of 1900 to 1910. It is a very fine pickelhaube from an elite regiment, about which it is difficult to find material. $3,495.00PL

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Braunschweig

04-494 IDENTIFIED RESERVE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE TO THE BROTHER  OF THE REGIMENTAL COMMANDER OF INFANTERIE REGIMENT Nr 92 - BRAUNSCHWEIG. One of the Imperial German Period’s most sought-after pickelhauben is from the Duchy of Braunschweig’s Infanterie-Regiment Nr 92. Braunschweig has a long and proud military history. The small duchy fielded one infantry and one cavalry regiment. They were Infantrie-Regiment Nr 92 and Husaren-Regiment Nr 17, respectively. Each regiment wore the infamous Totenkopf on both their pickelhauben and their busbies. The two regiments saw extensive service in the Napoleonic Wars. In fact, Duke Wilhelm of Braunschweig was killed while leading his Husaren-Regiment at the Battle of Waterloo. Infanterie-Regiment Nr 92 was founded in 1809. It was garrisoned in the capital city, Braunschweig, where it was attached to the X. Armeekorps. The regiment saw extensive service in the Peninsula campaign, where it served under the Duke of Wellington’s orders in Portugal and Spain. This pickelhaube once belonged to Hauptmann der Reserve Richard von Heynitz, who was the brother of the commander of the regiment (Hans von Heynitz who was killed on 9 December 1917). I found von Richard von Heynitz listed in the 1904 Rangeliste as an oberleutnant (he had been an Oberleutnant since 18 August 1900. While he was in Infantrie-Regiment Nr 92, he served as an adjutant to "German Princes." In the 1914 Rangeliste he is listed as a Hauptmann der Reserve (he had received a promotion to that rank on 21 March 1908). He was based in Potsdam.  The helmet clearly displays pre WW I superiority. The leather body is smooth and supple, with no apparent problems. Some leather crazing is present, but this is common. (In fact, crazing is as highly-prized by European collectors as is patina. They consider it "History’s Fingerprints"). All of the helmet’s furniture is gilt, with the exception of the large Totenkopf in the wappen’s center. The chin scales show a great deal of tarnish. The wappen is beautifully crafted, with the regiment’s large silver Totenkopf in the center of the eagle’s chest. The Totenkopf’s eyes are inset with black velvet to make the skull seem even more haunted and menacing. Below the skull’s crossed bones is a bandeau for "Peninsula," where the regiment had gained great fame fighting under the Duke of Wellington’s direct orders. Above the bandeau is a Reserve Officer’s Cross. Another detail is its extremely tall spike. I cannot remember seeing a taller spike on a Braunschweig helmet. The final points to mention are the correct officer’s state and reich’s kokarden, which are mounted behind the chin scales. Inside the helmet, the front visor has a paper label reading, "Hauptmann der Reserve von Heynitz." The leather sweatband shows use and some sweat staining. The silk liner shows average use. Some shredding or separation appears in areas, which is how wear generally shows up on silk liners. (It resembles a run in a lady’s silk stocking). Underneath the liner, all the original hardware is present. No double holes appear where the wappen is attached. Finally, the helmet size, "58 ½" is painted in white. This is a larger-than-average size. Most helmets run from "54" to "56." This is a rare opportunity to acquire not only a helmet from Infanterie-Regiment Nr 92, but one that has been identified to the brother of a commander of the regiment. I would like to thank a sharp eyed collector who helped me correct an incorrect description. I initially described this as the helmet to the regimental commander Hans von Heynitz. I was not aware that he had a brother, Richard von Heynitz. Having now corrected this information I have also lowered the price of this helmet. Identified helmets are always hard to come by and this one has an interesting history and connection aside from being identified. Thank you to GJ for his assistance. $14,500.00  

Hesse-Darmstadt

04-347 1^st MODEL (1849) GENERAL PICKELHAUBE - HESSE-DARMSTADT. Today we are very pleased and honored to present a complete and original example of an 1849 General’s 1^st Model pickelhaube from the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt. I was strongly attracted to this helmet when it was first offered to me. I also must admit I wondered if our readers would like it, since it WAS so early. It seems as though the strongest interest in Imperial German Militaria is for the period from approximately 1866 to 1918. The Napoleonic era (1790's-1815) also stirs up an interest. One simple, hard reality remains; the 1866 to 1918 time period is the most-desired by collectors. Items from 1820 to1866 have tended to be slow sellers. So, on one hand, the purchase of this extraordinary helmet represents a great leap of faith on my part. On the other hand, this important helmet is a direct link to the 1897-1918 period generals’ helmets that we offer. Please remember that you are looking at one of the EARLIEST general’s pickelhauben that you will ever see. Of course, that it is from a state other than Prussia is also a key factor in its importance. Post-1897 Hessian general’s helmets command huge prices, especially when they include the very desirable trichter-mounted parade feathers. Pickelhauben debuted in Imperial Germany during 1842 in the Kingdom of Prussia. (Two years later in 1844, Prussia also introduced the kugelhelm for officers and enlisted men assigned to artillery regiments). The other German states began phasing in pickelhauben shortly afterwards. The complete process of incorporating pickelhauben was not achieved until the mid 1880's. (The last state was Bavaria who, as we know, marched to its own drummer)! Hesse converted to the pickelhauben in 1849. It was one of the earliest states to do so. In 1849, Hesse fielded four regiments of infantry, one regiment of dragoons, one company of engineers (pioniers), and one artillery regiment. Additional infantry, cavalry, and artillery regiments were added after 1849. Furthermore, they incorporated the pionier battalion into one of the Hessian infantry regiments as Kompagnie Nr 9 after 1849. A key point to remember as we review this helmet is its historical significance. This helmet dates from that 1849 period, and it is in fact among the earliest of the Hessian general’s helmets. Some advanced collectors have told me it is unlikely more than two to four Hessian generals existed during that period. If this is correct, how many helmets would have been produced during this era? Even speculating that each man had two helmets, we would have four to eight helmets at the most. Even that might be a generous estimate. (Personally, I would be surprised if more than two to four were produced). Then the question must be asked, how many have survived? When speaking of Prussian generals of World War I, several hundred men served in that capacity. Even considering the number of men who served as generals from Saxony, Bavaria, and Württemberg, the numbers would far exceed two to four for each of those kingdoms as compared to Hesse. As a point of comparison, earlier this year I sold a general’s helmet from the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin for more than $20,000. This was a private sale. The helmet never reached my web site. Now, we have given you the appropriate background information so that we can begin the description of this magnificent helmet. The most startling aspect that strikes one upon first viewing is the odd, bell-like shape. (Some folks who are less-experienced with helmets have even said it looks like a watermelon)! As pickelhauben evolved they became more rounded, until the final adjustments of the 1880's and1890's produced the style with which we are all familiar. Knowing that the helmet is 150+ years old (please remember this predates the U. S. Civil War by more than a decade), the leather is in extraordinary condition. While some cracking and spidering exist, overall the leather remains supple. I have seen many helmets that are 50 to 60 years newer and in much poorer condition. The helmet has all gilt furniture. It has a marvelous set of chin scales with the original leather straps behind them! The helmet has the same type of officer’s cruciform as had later Hessian helmets. It has the fluted spike, which is also typical of Hessian officer’s helmets. An added finial at the spike’s tip is an interesting touch. It differentiates a helmet for a general from that of other officers during the period. On the helmet’s right side we see a kokarde for Hesse in place. It is large (similar in size to the kokarden that we see on Garde du Corps helmets) and similar in construction to what Hesse used throughout WW I. I have saved the wappen for last because it is simply gorgeous. We see the rampant Lion of Hesse holding up a sword with his right arm. The lion is crowned and surrounded on the right and left by a wreath of laurel and oak leaves. Inside the helmet we see the original leather liner, complete with a sizing thong that is also original. Silk liners did not come into use until much later. It is amazing to see a complete leather liner in a helmet that is 150+ years old. This is just another small indication of the excellence, completeness, and originality of the helmet. All of the original and matching hardware is present. This is, without a doubt, the most important general’s helmet that we have offered. $18,500.00

 

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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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Lubeck

04-462 OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - INFANTERIE-REGIMENT Nr 162 - LÜBECK. This is an officer’s pickelhaube from Infanterie-Regiment (Lübeck) (3. Hanseatisches) Nr 162. This regiment was first placed in service in 1897. Two of its battalions were garrisoned in Lübeck, while the third was at Eutin. It was assigned to the IX. Armeekorps. The helmet’s leather body is in very good condition, generally. Some very minor spidering appears. Overall, the body is sound and the leather quite supple. The wappen is fairly standard for a Prussian officer (while this regiment was from Lübeck, it was under Prussian command). All the other furniture is gilt-toned. One identifies this helmet as coming from Lübeck by the state kokarde on its left side. Please pay particular attention to it. The reich’s kokarde on the right is typical of most pickelhauben. The spike is fairly tall. The top inch or so was struck sometime, and is ever-so-slightly bent. The interior reveals a well-used leather sweatband and red silk liner. The latter is complete, but shows some minor shredding, very much like a run in a silk stocking. That is how these liners age. The helmet is a size "56." No extra holes appear where the wappen attaches to the helmet’s body. All of the original hardware is present. This is a textbook example of a pristine helmet that has not been "messed with." It is not mint, but it is a scarce helmet that was worn by a single regiment for barely twenty years. $2,395.00 

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Mecklenburg-Schwerin

04-458 DRAGOON OFFICER PICKELHAUBE - IN THE ORIGINAL STORAGE CASE - MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN. This is one of the most amazing helmets I have acquired. Frequent visitors to these pages know how important condition is to me, as it should be with any collector. Ultimately, the real value of any item that one adds to his/her collection lies not only in its authenticity, but in its condition. I have been a collector for more than forty years. One of the most important lessons I learned early on is: condition is king! Common sense acknowledges that within any given supply, those of average or poor condition always outnumber the better-conditioned items. Investing one’s money in better-conditioned items is smart collecting. One can enjoy the item now, and get a better return when it is time to move it along. Our offering today is a classic example of which we speak. The helmet’s leather body is nothing short of spectacular. Smooth and supple, it is a delight to behold. It has a squared front visor with gilt trim. Its wappen is a bit larger than other Mecklenburg-Schwerin examples I have seen. It features a brilliant, gilt, sunburst and an amazing frosted-silver center with the Mecklenburg-Schwerin Coat-of-Arms. It possesses a very high-quality set of chin scales. The cruciform, officer’s stars, back trim, and spike are all gilt, as well. The top-grade spike is fluted, as is correct. [A Prussian general would have been proud to wear this spike on HIS pickelhaube]! The Mecklenburg-Schwerin kokarde is a beauty, as is the Prussian kokarde on the opposite side. The helmet’s interior lives up to the high-quality and excellent condition of the exterior. The leather sweatband is stone-mint. The silk liner is also mint, with the exception of a small ink. Underneath the silk liner, all of the original (and I do mean ALL) hardware is present. The final piece to this amazing helmet is an officer’s style storage case, which clearly has contributed to the excellent condition that this pickelhaube has remained in for 100 years (this is very clearly pre World War I quality). This helmet is a true gem. We are very proud to present it to you today. $9,995.00JB

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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

Oldenburg

04-310 INFANTRY 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. $6,495.00. . .

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Prussia

 

04-512 NCO/ENLISTED MAN HELMET - FULL PARADE CONFIGURATION - 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, topped with the massive Hohenzollern Parade-Eagle. The Regiment der Garde du Corps helmet, along with the Orden Pour le Mérite and the rampant-lion-topped Garde-Reiter-Regiment helmet, is one of the three most highly-pursued items by 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 GdC helmets for an NCO/enlisted man.
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 were generally with him at most functions in the field. Many photos show a GdC trooper brandishing the Kaiser’s personal standard while standing near him to announce the Kaiser’s presence. 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.] It reveals some minor dimpling at various points on its exterior. They are quite minor. I am loathe to characterize any of them as dents. The helmet’s wappen is quite handsome. Its patina is consistent with the helmet’s body. 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.
Special mention should 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 the 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.
The helmet’s only remaining exterior aspect is, of course, the Hohenzollern Parade Eagle. The Eagle is typical of an NCO/enlisted man’s example. The Hohenzollern Eagle and its Crown are both silver-toned and frosted. The Eagle is highly detailed. Its layers of feathers can be detected easily. For some reason, I am always drawn to the Eagle’s crown, beak, and especially, its talons, where the specifics are amazing. The talons are exquisitely lifelike gripping the helmet’s football-styled base. Such stunningly sumptuous handicraft is the hallmark of Imperial German Period Militaria. Inside the helmet is a normal enlisted man’s style of leather liner. It is a six-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. The complete inner liner is present, although it is brittle from age. Some leather conditioner can return some moisture to the dry leather and prevent further deterioration. A partial sizing thong is present as well. I can detect no markings in the interior. A large wingnut is available inside to attach the Eagle to the helmet for its parade-configuration. Four drilled holes are visible inside the helmet’s top through which to attach the spike assembly for everyday service. The number "54" is stamped inside the rear visor, indicating the helmet’s size. I would like to share one final detail with you. A small circular tag displaying the number "1045" is attached to one of the chin scales’ leather backs. The tag is quite old. Even a bit of rust is visible on the tag’s outer rim. I believe that the helmet was once a part of a German museum’s collection. I bought it from a collector in former East Germany. He had it in his collection for more than thirty years. He told me the tag was on the helmet when he bought it. He also advised me he had never cleaned the helmet during the whole time he owned it. This is a lovely, original helmet with a charming personality to match its patina! It would make a fantastic addition to any collection. $11,495.00  

 

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04-349 GENERAL À LA SUITE PICKELHAUBE WITH PARADE FEATHERS, TRICHTER, SPIKE, AND STORAGE CASES - PRUSSIA. It is not often that we are able to offer you two helmets for a general officer in two succeeding weeks. While we were very excited to offer the Hessian General on last week’s updates, we are also very pleased to offer to you a complete grouping for a General à la Suite from the Kingdom of Prussia. It is important before we continue our description to clarify the difference between a General and a General à la Suite. As I have related to you in the past, the German Army carried essentially three different species of what could be called "Generals." First, were the military commanders who, while basically noble, were not royal. Second, we had royals who were military commanders, often of Armeekorps, Armee, or Armee Groups. Finally, we had those royals who were considered "à la Suite." These men were primarily honorary generals. They had no direct military command responsibility. To distinguish an "à la Suite" from a true military commander, the Germans reversed the colors of the pickelhaube’s furniture. A military commander had gilt furniture, while the "à la Suite" had silver. These differences were quite obvious. Along with a difference in shoulder boards, soldiers could tell the difference quite quickly. I would also like to point out that "à la Suite" helmets are far scarcer than other general’s helmets. We just do not see many of these fine helmets. While I have offered perhaps eight to ten general’s helmets over the years, this is the second "à la Suite" that I have offered. When we are able to offer general’s helmets from time to time, it seems that we often offer them with the service spike OR the parade feathers mounted to the trichter. The example we are offering today comes not only with the service spike and the full dress feathered trichter, but the storage cases for the trichter and the helmet as well! This presentation will allow you to display the helmet in whatever style you prefer. Now, let us take a look at our wonderful helmet! It has the squared visor indicative of an officer. The leather is in excellent condition. Some very light spidering due to age shows here and there, but it is minimal and not detractive. The furniture of the helmet is all silver, including the chin scales, cruciform, spike, wappen, etc., with the exception of the gilt officer’s stars. All of the silvered parts are in marvelous condition and display a fine patina. The Garde Star in the center of the wappen is especially noteworthy. It stands far out from the wappen to which it is attached. It is also worth mentioning that the spike is fluted, which is correct for the helmet. The reich and officer’s kokarden are present. The overall appearance of the helmet with either the spike or the trichter is very pleasing. The interior of the helmet is equally as clean. It sports a fine doeskin leather sweatband that exhibits very little use. The silk white liner is also in mint condition and appears very fresh. In the rear of the helmet is a size button indicating that this helmet is a size "58," which is a bit larger than normal. Next we have the feathered trichter, which is fluted silver, as is correct. When not in use it is stored in a tube which protects both the trichter and the feathers. The feathers on a Prussian helmet such as this consist of white cock feathers over black cock feathers. They are quite handsome! The helmet is safely stored in a storage case to protect it when it is not in use. This makes for a very fine and rare presentation. We also have a very special and rare storage case for traveling which accommodates both the helmet and the feathered trichter. That case matched with this presentation would make for an unbelievable grouping. Purchase this ensemble and we will offer you a special price on that storage case. $14,995.00. .

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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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04-460 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 case. 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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04-313 DELUXE PICKELHAUBE STORAGE CASE FOR A GENERAL OFFICER PICKELHAUBE. This is the ultimate accessory for a general’s pickelhaube. If you have a general’s pickelhaube and are especially lucky enough to have one with the parade feathers (or perhaps buy the helmet above), this would be a marvelous way to display that helmet. It would also give you something really unusual to display in your collection room. This case is the first of its type I have ever acquired. It is one of the most unusual pickelhaube storage cases that I have ever seen. Virtually all pickelhaube cases that we see are conical. These suit the general shape of a pickelhaube quite well. I have seen them in varying heights to accommodate a spike’s length or perhaps the eagle for an officer’s Garde du Corps helmet or the lion of the Garde Reiter. [On my April 2004 trip to Germany I even saw what was, without-a-doubt, the most perfect Garde du Corps (GdC) officer’s helmet I have ever seen. If I used the word MINT for this helmet, I am not sure I would be saying enough. That GdC helmet’s crowning touch was its deluxe conical case, whose extension comfortably nestled the helmet’s lobstertail, without scuffing it! At first I could not figure out why the case had this bulge, but its purpose became clear very quickly. Amazing! Returning to the case we are offering here today: it is cylindrical and NOT conical. It stands a very tall 12 ½" high and is 11 3/4" in diameter across the top of the case. Your question is, why make it cylindrical? Answer: this case was especially designed to house a general’s pickelhaube AND his trichter with parade feathers! It was quite common to see special storage cases for officer’s parade bush trichters. (We have sold a number of them in the past). These were cylindrical, with covers at both ends to insert and remove the trichter as needed. The bush remained protected inside the case. The general’s storage cases were a bit more complicated. Their cases were tasked with protecting delicate feathers as opposed to horse or buffalo hair. The general’s trichter cases that I have seen in the past have had an additional pedestal to protect the delicate feathers and to hold the trichter firmly in place. This case has a hole and protective collar in its center where a trichter case or possibly even a helmet with parade feathers in place could be stored. A helmet could easily be placed in the center and the collar lowered over the trichter. The top of the case is secured by a lock in the front (the key is no longer available). The top has two leather straps to facilitate its removal. Inside the top is manufacturer marked for the premiere uniform, headdress, and accouterment purveyor: Waarenhaus für Armee und Marine - Berlin. The front of the case has railroad station markings and tags. This is a totally delightful accessory that would be the perfect compliment to a general’s helmet. Should you care to buy this along with the helmet listed above, we will offer you a very special price! $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. [Be sure to check out our küraß for an officer serving in a Line Küraßier-Regiment on the UNIFORMS MERCHANDISE PAGE (click here to view). Buy this helmet and küraß and receive a substantial discount. Together they would make a magnificent display]! $6,995.00

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04-507 IDENTIFIED PICKELHAUBE - REGIMENTAL COMMANDER - KAISER ALEXANDER GARDE-GRENADIER-REGIMENT Nr 1 - PRUSSIA. This is a very interesting and unique officer’s pickelhaube from a Garde-Grenadier-Regiment. As we look inside the helmet, we discover the penciled-in name, "Graf Bernhardt Finc von Finckenstein." Research tells us that von Finckenstein was the Oberst and regimental Kommandeur of Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1. He was also a winner of the Orden Pour le Mérite with Oak Leaves during WW I! He was appointed to his post on 20 May 1913, and served as Kommandeur all through the Great War. This regiment, and the 1. Garde-Regiment zu Fuß, were considered the two most elite infantry regiments in the Prussian Army. Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1 was established in 1814. It was garrisoned in Berlin (all Garde-Regiments were garrisoned in the Berlin and Potsdam areas), where it was attached to the Garde-Korps. [If you look at various Prussian infantry regiments’ designations, you will note they include Fuß-Regiments, Grenadier-Regiments, Leib-Grenadier-Regiments, Füßilier-Regiments, and Infanterie-Regiments. All of the early Prussian Army regiments were formed prior to and during the Napoleonic Wars, except for three Garde-Fuß-Regiments, three Garde-Grenadier-Regiments, and one Garde-Füßilier-Regiment.] The helmet’s leather body is in very pleasing condition. Some minor spidering and one small spot appears as a gouge in the leather (we will show this in our photographs). The leather body is very supple and well formed. All of the helmet’