Hello Folks,
First of all, thanks for your observations, Philippe. Bruno, thank you for the beautiful picture of a real Prussian General a la Suite helmet, and again I apologize for confusing you with Alan. As I mentioned earlier, I have only dabbled in Pickelhaubes on and off over the years. If not dangerous, it can be costly, ergo my coming to one of the fonts of knowledge in the realm of Pickelhauben.
In answer to Alan's question, I am attempting to attach some pictures of helmet #2 from the December Auction. I know it does have its problems; however, it is better overall than #1.
#2 helmet is solid M95, all switching present, seems to have all original brass, Model 1887 one-piece pearlring base and spike, vented rear spine, and wide brass trim on front visor and eagle or Adler with a vented crown all caught my eye. Besides the vented Adler, a previous owner replaced the M1891 posts with private purchased chinscales and officer rosettes. These differences could indicate a sergeant/feldwebel who attained senior NCO/Vize-Felwebel, Unteroffizer rank or possibly applied for a one-year volunteer billet, which would explain the helmet upgrades. That said, there seems to be no manufacture or unit marking inside the helmet or the rear visor.
After using Tony's website, I noted that the large hole M91 issue cockades do not seem correct for the setup. I could be mistaken. However, the most severe problem is the chinscales. Besides the two missing pieces from the left/male side, which I knew when I bid found that the one good chinscale, on the right, the female side had a superglued repair. So I have the set of chinscales to repair.
But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I am quite happy with what seems to be a standard issued M95 converted for a senior NCO or an officer candidate.
Again, I am open to your comments and advice. But, one small request, please add your name at the bottom of your comments, so I do not mistake the person commenting.
Thanks
John