Pickelhaube information?

[stevejs]

Hello all. This is my first post here. I'm hoping someone can tell me something about this Pickelhaube. It seems so thin and lightweight that I have occasionally wondered if it could just be some kind of early reproduction or display piece. It is quite a flimsy one-piece steel pressing, though the brass fittings (e.g. the strap mountings) are of good quality and look genuine enough. It had no lining when originally purchased. The Überzug is a good fit, so may be the original, and is held by 3 steel clips at the front and 2 at the back.






It was a jumble-sale purchase back in the 1960s. Unfortunately, either my sister or my mother decided it was too tatty and needed a lick of paint, so I cannot guarantee the authenticity of the colours on the roundels!

I know from internet searches that the the Coat of Arms and the motto "Furchtlos und Trew" ("Fearless and Loyal") are that of Württemberg, but I haven't beem able to find a picture of a similar helmet.

Steve.

[Chip M]

The reserve infantry regiment cover is also for a Württemberg unit. These metal helmets were produced in the 1915-16 time frame and are considered "Ersatz" helmets, that is, substitutes for the leather helmets which fell victim to materiel shortages during that period.

Chip

[pzrwest]

It looks as if has been repainted inside and out.... still a nice one

[RoyA]

I would agree that the haube has seen some restoration work, but the überzug appears to be very nice.
Can you post some interior pics of the cover?

[stevejs]

Here are some pictures of the Überzug. I hadn't previously noticed the printed "58" on the inside of the back. Unfortunately I cannot make anything of the text above it.

Presumably the Pickelhaube should have had some sort of lining. What would it have looked like? It doesn't seem to me that this helmet would have offered much head protection, except maybe from a spent bullet. Were the M1916 helmets better - perhaps high-tensile steel?

Steve.

[pzrwest]

I am curious as to how the liner would have been held in the helmet.... glued in?

[stevejs]

I am curious as to how the liner would have been held in the helmet.... glued in?

I wondered that myself. I see that there is a central hole at the back, and a corresponding hole at the front with a clip in it. This is behind the coat of arms, but doesn't seem to have ever been attached to it. You can see these in my 3rd picture. I suppose these might have been sufficient.

What would, have been the full title of the reserve infantry regiment identified by "R247".

Steve.

[Chip M]

Normally (but not always) the origin of the reserve regiments was not part of the official name. There were a few exceptions, but generally they were as such, "Reserve Infanterie Regiment Nr. 247".

The liners were usually held in place by split brads. The whole construction was rather flimsy, as you might expect with materiel shortages and a need for simple, speedy manufacture.

Chip