Model 1895 Ersatz Pickelhaube

[carbinekid]

Hello all,

I just got back home from a wonderful visit with a American WWII Navy veteran. I got to hear some really cool stories and see some very cool war souvenirs.

One of the items he had was given to him by his father. He served during WWI with the Canadian Army. The item is a felt pickelhaube helmet.

I don't know too much about WWI stuff so, I was hoping some of you guys might be able to help me get some info on this piece. after a quick search I found it to be an ersatz model 1895.

What else can you tell me? What does the "FR" on the eagle mean? Who would have worn it, etc?

Also sense it is in pretty bad shape, what can be done to preserve it and keep it from getting worse? It has some substantial cracks that need to be addressed. The vets storage method has not helped over the years; he keeps it under a stack of modern baseball caps.....







Cheers,

Kyle

[gregM]

Check out Tony's website.

http://www.kaisersbunker.com/

It goes into great detail on the history and preservation of
pickelhaubes. He aslso has some fantastic examples of almost
every style to look at.

[carbinekid]

Thanks!


Kyle