Reproduction Pickelhaube

[Gustaf B]

Hey Eric,
Those dead beats are all reproductions as well I would not want to see an original WWI soldier used in a re enactment either. The earlier reproductions helmets, with the wonky spikes and poorly stamped Wappen were fine for this use, some of the newer ones are difficult to tell from the originals with out holding them. The liners are one of the quickest points. It would be nice if the reproductions were dated, then it would be easy to tell the reproductions from the fakes (the fake would be the one with the date covered or removed)
Hey carl,
Again, I would still recomend that someone that wanted one to set on their desk, forget the reproduction, and spend a few dollars more for a real one, and learn about the history behind it (but then again, if you are not interested in the history, and do not care about value, go for a reproduction, and then you do not even need to worry if it is a good one or not)
Best
gus

[Kondor]

[quote=MauserKar98k;4454399]I agree. They are the only option for those of us who have large heads; my repo is a 61, good luck ever finding an original in that size. Great for display, reenacting, and especially great to wear if you want to impress a lady on a first date.



So true! I remember the satorial impression you made at your senior prom wearing yours. Some referred to you as "the Ladies Man" without the brandy!

[Carl Christense]

Gentlemen, thank you for your input regarding the merits of owning an original vs. a reproduction pickelhaube.

For myself personally, one of the main reasons I'm interested in a reproduction is taking care of the item itself. If you own a military relic such as medals, uniforms, helmets, documents, etc. I believe that you have a responsibility for taking care of the item, preserve it, and pass it on to the next collector exactly the way you received it (or better if restoration is needed). From what I've read, pickelhaubes have special needs to ensure their continued preservation including the control of light, humidity, and temperature.

When I refer to a quality reproduction, I mean a reproduction that has the correct insignia, shape of spike, type of chin strap, etc. and not a "fantasy piece" (something that never could have existed) or has "historical errors" (an artillery ball on a pre 1916 Bavarian helmet).

Perhaps a reproduction is what I still want, perhaps a real pickelhaube would be a better investment and provide more satisfaction if I decided that I could take care of it properly. I certainly have he luxury of time to continue doing research before I purchase either a reproduction or an authentic pickelhaube.

Once again, I pose the question, can anyone recommend a manufacturer of quality reproduction pickelhaubes? I will also add, can anyone recommend a seller of authentic pickelhaubes?

Best Regards

Carl C

[MauserKar98k]

Once again, I pose the question, can anyone recommend a manufacturer of quality reproduction pickelhaubes? I will also add, can anyone recommend a seller of authentic pickelhaubes?

A lot depends on how much you're willing to spend.

Firstly, avoid Ebay. As I said before, almost every repo pickelhaube on Ebay is junk that barely resembles the genuine article.

This is an example of a bad reproduction pickelhaube. Notice the price, it's pretty cheap (considering the prices of the originals and other repos):

http://www.ima-usa.com/imperial-germ...lack-gold.html

The first pickehaube that was shown in this thread looks like one that is sold by Hessen Antique for ~$155.

http://www.hessenantique.com/Pickelh..._p/heih001.htm

I bought a Baden pickehaube from these guys. It was relatively cheap and is good representative piece. There are problems with these one though; the cockades are of poor quality and are mounted too low, the rear skirt is not the correct shape, and the shape of the spike is a bit off and has too many vent holes. Some of these errors can be corrected if the owner is not afraid to do a little "corrective surgery."

These would be examples of great/excellent pickelhaube reproductions:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeo7abf/id42.html

However, when you start getting into this territory of the reproductions being as expensive/more expensive than the originals.

Edit: While we are stewards of military antiques, my understanding is that pickelhaubes don't tend to crumble into dust at the slightest provocation. They have survived- in some cases- over 100 years as it is with no special thought for care in most cases. While it is a decision that we each have to make for ourselves, I don't think there is any reason to be concerned about owning an original pickelhaube. Just as long as it's inside in a place with a relatively stable temperature and a humidity of about 55% (I think that's what Tony recommends), they should be fine. Then again, I would question someone who actually owns an original pickelhaube (unlike myself), someone like Tony or Adler1.

[Gustaf B]

Edit: While we are stewards of military antiques, my understanding is that pickelhaubes don't tend to crumble into dust at the slightest provocation. They have survived- in some cases- over 100 years as it is with no special thought for care in most cases. While it is a decision that we each have to make for ourselves, I don't think there is any reason to be concerned about owning an original pickelhaube. Just as long as it's inside in a place with a relatively stable temperature and a humidity of about 55% (I think that's what Tony recommends), they should be fine. Then again, I would question someone who actually owns an original pickelhaube (unlike myself), someone like Tony or Adler1.

I still have my first Pickelhaube, it was given to me in 1968 as a Christmas gift. It has been on a shelf most of the time, but part of the time it was stored in a chest. It is a common M1915 leather Pickelhaube with the steel fittings. I can not see any change n condition in the past 40 years. It has the name of the soldier on the front peak and the unit markings as well. This is history that a reproduction will not have.
I would question if anyone would buy a reproduction, if it was exact, but was dated on the inside when it was made?
Best
gus

[Carl Christense]

Gus, could you recommend a vendor of original pickelhaubes? Someone who sells authentic pieces at reasonable prices?

Of course, I always do my homework before purchasing anything and not take the dealers word alone!

Regards

Carl C

[Gustaf B]

Hey Carl,
There are many good vendors out there, one is Advance Guard Militaria, but you need to have a subscription to their catalogue, as it is posted on the internet, and all the good stuff is gone in the first few minutes.
Randy and Remy at Age of Kings are great people, they are honest and have fair prices, I know both personally, and have the utmost in trust with them. Here is a lint to their site
http://www.ageofkingsmilitaria.com/
Prices on ebay seem to be over the top, especially with the reproductions that have been upgraded with original parts and represented as original.
Best
gus