M1895 Prussian Pickelhaube

Germany > German Empire > Headgear >

A stiffened leather helmet with some minor age crazing and brass fittings, onto which is sewn a thick leather rear neck guard, (the front visor is lost to time). The helmet plate features the crowned Prussian eagle with upswept wings, clutching a royal scepter and a royal orb with an embossed scripted banner superimposed on its wings and breast. The embossed script to the banner consists of, "Mit Gott Für Koenig und Vaterland", (With God for King and Fatherland), and has the royal, "FR" cypher to its breast indicating, Friedrich Rex, (King Friedrich). The helmet plate is attached to the pickelhaube by two metal loops which extend into the interior through corresponding holes to the front. Cruciform spike base with spike top. The very tip is slightly crushed. A back spine runs from the rear of the spike base plate to the rim of the neck guard. The stitching is all gone. The cockades remain as do the chinstrap attachment devices. The interior liner is supple black leather, stitched around the base of the helmet body with fingers arching towards the crown each of which have holes to their ends through which an adjustable cord passes. All the fingers remain. The size is written inside with a wax pencil "57". I realize this needs love.