Latest Hauben - What is it?

[sabertasche]

HI guys, I just bought this helmet. The condition is exceptional. I think it is a Prussian Infantry Officers Helmet. Am I right? Condition is superb but what should I be doing to ensure that it stays this way. I've made a cotton pad and attached it to the end of a WW1 German shell casing (all my helmets use these as pedastals) so that the centre of the helmet supports its' weight.

The front and rear visors are slightly loose and one of the stars is missing it's retaining nut. The original owner says all were there when he bought the helmet in Germany in 1969. Chances are that the nut is in the liner, I'm just afraid to root around in the liner to find it.

[sabertasche]

Inside.

[sabertasche]

Side

[sabertasche]

Other side

[sabertasche]

Yet another view. If anyone would like additional scans, just let me know.

Greg

[Paul McKee]

Despite the liabilities you mention, it still is one of the most beautiful-condition pickelhauben I've seen recently!

Paul

[sabertasche]

Thanks Paul. I love this helmet but will probably pass it on to another collector as my interests are trending more towards blades.

Greg

[Daniel Murphy]

Condition is superb but what should I be doing to ensure that it stays this way.

Greg,
With those chinscales, it is probably a 1915. On these the scales and spike base were quickly detachable for use in the field. It is one of the nicest helmets I have seen. To keep it that way, make sure that no part of the brass shell touches the liner. Make the cloth pad the size of the liner so that the weight of the helmet rests on the leather and not on the silk. Otherwise the silk could become damaged and fray or separate. Secondly do not keep it in an attic or basement. Too much heat will damage the finish and too much moisture will cause it to mold. Basically as long as you do this and keep it at room temperature with normal humidity, it should be fine. Again, you have a super helmet. Congrats.
Dan Murphy

[Stu2067]

Nice one........Im interested if your selling!

Stuart

[sabertasche]

Thanks guys. Dan, I've made a bigger pad to better support the weight.

Cheers,

Greg