RARE WW1 IMPERIAL GERMAN PRUSSIAN DRAGOON OFFICERS SPIKE HELMET (PICKELHAUBE)
his is a good condition smart-looking, officer pickelhaube from a Prussian Dragoner (Dragoon) Infantry Regiment, as indicated by the "Squared" front visor and Cruciform Spike support. The helmet was used during World War One.
The overall condition of this officer's pickelhaube is very good. Almost all of the helmet's furniture is highly-detailed in Brass, though over the years it has oxidized and the brass has taken on a nice patina. The Prussian wappen (coat of arms) features a large Prussian Eagle holding a scepter in the right claw, and an orb in the right. The Wappen is held in place by the correct bolts used on officer's models. The chin scales are also Brass, and are complete.
Both kokarde (cockades) are present, and are of high-end two piece construction, with detailed casting. In 1897 a new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the helmet, and the state Kokarde was moved to the left. The paint on both is still almost completely intact, and they look great.
The German brass officer spike atop the helmet is intricately decorated at the base with the usual "egg and dart" motif. The top of the spike screws off, revealing the fitting for a parade plume. Additionally, this pickelhaube has the old-style cruciform spike base, which after 1860 was still used by the Prussian Dragoon regiments. All other Prussian groups moved to a round base. This base still retains all 4 of the brass stars.
The helmet's lacquer finished leather is in great condition having no serious issues, just the usual crazing which confirms its age. The inside liner is still present, complete with the original Red colored silk skull cap and leather sweat band, which is in nice condition, though it does have some splits and definitely shows wear. The leather portion of the liner is nice and supple, with some staining.
Overall a very appealing Model 1897 Dragoon Pickelhaube helmet that is much rarer to find than the normal Infantry Officers model.
Prices of Pickelhaubes have been steadily rising and continue to do so especially in Europe and the US, this example shows good value for money as it was sourced here in Australia.