Prussian Guard Pickelhaube

[juno44]

Hi,

I would like to have opinions on this pickelhaube which is mine, why is there a leather chin strap on it when most if not all Prussian Guard pickelhaubes I see on the net have chinscales, is the leather chinstrap proper to it and what is the meaning of KRGGRN2?

Regards, juno-44

[90th Light]

[QUOTE=juno44;5739625]Hi,

I would like to have opinions on this pickelhaube which is mine, why is there a leather chin strap on it when most if not all Prussian Guard pickelhaubes I see on the net have chinscales, is the leather chinstrap proper to it and what is the meaning of KRGGRN2?

Regards, juno-44

"KRGGRN2" ? ( are you sure it says "KR" ? ) = Emperor Franz Guard Grenadier Regiment Number 2 in 1892 ? ( are you sure this is the date ? ) and then "1B 1907" = reissue to another battalion of some unit ? ( are you sur it says "1B" and not BA ? ) Good images of the stamps would help.

The leather chin strap has been put on the helmet for use by an EM in WW1 or reapplied since WW1 given that the helmet has cockades in almost mint condition,

Chris

[Chip M]

It surely reads "KFGGR N2" if it is the 2nd Garde Grenadier Regiment.

Chip

[juno44]

Hi,

My mistake, the markings are very hard to see, it is 'KFGGRN2' not 'KRGGRN2' with the date 1892 under. It is definitely not 'BA' but now looks more 'LB' than 1B with the date 1907 under.

Regards, juno44

[Chip M]

It's probably "I.B." for the first battalion. Roman numerals were normally used to indicate the battalion.

Chip

[90th Light]

It's probably "I.B." for the first battalion. Roman numerals were normally used to indicate the battalion.

Chip

Hello Chip,

it has been issued to "KFGGR N2" in 1892 as a grade I helmet but it has been reissued in 1907, 15 years later as a grade II helmet. This would also explain a plain leather chinstrap rather than a scaled type.

Now it is more likely to be "1B" for 1st Battalion of another unit ( guard or line ? ). Another possibilty however, could be "L?" for a "Landwehr" unit. Those "L" units often received grade II for their uniforms.

A clear image of the stamp would help

Chris

[juno44]

Hi,

I tried taking photos of the markings but being so faint they do not come out. I want to thank you all for your comments which are highly appreciated.

Regards, juno44