Baden Lobster tail helmet

[vonStubben]

A friend just called me. He says that while on a house call this morning he handled a "German lobster tail helmet". From the description of the helmet plate it is from Baden. He also said that the plate is gunmetal gray, so I am presuming it is WWI vintage? He said that the old woman claims it has been in her deceased husbands family since 1927, after inheriting it. I told him to go back and buy it. I am told that it is in quite good condition aside from the buckle on the chinstrap being somewhat flimsy.

Are there any pictures of such a helmet that can be posted for me. Also, what might the price range of such a helmet be, ranging from good to excellent?

Thank you,

Chuck

[Robert Shoaf]

If it is indeed a "lobstertail" helmet, i.e., one for a Kurassier regiment, it's not from Baden. Baden had 3 dragoon regiments; nos. 20,21, & 22. No other type of cavalry. Sounds fishy to me.

[vonStubben]

If it is indeed a "lobstertail" helmet, i.e., one for a Kurassier regiment, it's not from Baden. Baden had 3 dragoon regiments; nos. 20,21, & 22. No other type of cavalry. Sounds fishy to me.

OK, I guess we will just have to wait until I actually have it in my hands to post some pictures for him.

Thanks,

Chuck

[Robert Shoaf]

As you may know, dragoon regiments wore picklehaubes, as they were considered mounted infantry, at least in earlier times. Only difference was the squared off peak, as opposed to rounded on infantry. Good luck.

Bob shoaf

[Chip M]

What your friend is calling a lobster tail helmet could very well be a regular Pickelhaube. There is also the possibility that it is a lobster tail, but just with the incorrect front plate. Many of the thousands of captured German helmets that were given out for the purchase of war bonds were just thrown together from the piles of warhoused war booty. I am sure you are familiar with the famous photo of the American warehouse that has a pile of Pickelhauben that nearly reaches the ceiling.

Chip

[epsomgreen]

Though I regard it with a healthy measure of skepticism, the following item is on display at the Wehrgeschichtliche Museum in Rastatt (Baden). It is described as a staff orderly helmet and resembles a M1915 Jäger zu Pferde Metallhelm, but the "lobster tail" is significantly shorter.

Charles

[vonStubben]

I now own the helmet. Here are some pictures.

The tail is lined with black velvet. The bill is covered with a diamond patterned leather. The leather bits holding the helmet plate in place are very hard and brittle. The leather beneath the chinstrap scales is soft but fragile.

Anyone care to guess what type of plate would have gone on this helmet?

Anyone out there have a proper plate?

Looking forward to what know can be said about it.

Regards,

Chuck

[vonStubben]

right side

[vonStubben]

left side

[vonStubben]

back

[vonStubben]

inside

[vonStubben]

leather underside of bill

[vonStubben]

velvet underside of tail

[Tony & Kaiser]

Anyone care to guess what type of plate would have gone on this helmet?

Prussian Kürassier pattern eagle Wappen. Chuck, give THIS a read.

[vonStubben]

Prussian Kürassier pattern eagle Wappen. Chuck, give THIS a read.

THANK YOU!!

Chuck