Reproduction IR 22 Pickelhaube

Peter B

Peter B

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Yes, I saw one for sale a few years ago, here in Lorraine. The seller thought I was paranoid when I told him it was a reproduction. He'd bought it for a very high price, as a "rare item," and didn't want to lose money. I think he passed the buck, as we say here in France.
 
CLOVIS 57 said:
Yes, I saw one for sale a few years ago, here in Lorraine. The seller thought I was paranoid when I told him it was a reproduction. He'd bought it for a very high price, as a "rare item," and didn't want to lose money. I think he passed the buck, as we say here in France.
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Yes that's too bad. I can understand being upset and not wanting to lose money but not at the expense of others. The guy who is selling this one is trustworthy and immediately changed his listing. I sent him the links to the articles on Colonel J's site so he knew I was genuine and we have a good relationship as well.
 
I have a Pickelhaube that is likely from the same period and maker. I purchased it from Manion’s auction house in the 90’s thinking it was original. It has the same leather edge binding, an odd shaped base to the spike, incorrect brads, and has an original Prussian wappen that has been painted grey to match the spike. I keep it in my collection as an example of what it is. I certainly wouldn’t pass it off as original.

Ron
 
There are Shako versions of these as well both Saxon and Prussian, all have the same leather edge trim.
 
Peter B said:
Real ones do exist but apparently they are extremely rare, and that is why it seems the fakes started being made
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Regarding the front plate worn by mountain machine gunners and troops in Macedonia and the Balkans, it was a slightly different type.
Macédonien M15.GIF The front plates were always curved banner-shaped. This type, shaped like a bridge with the R above it, never existed.
GMGA_.jpgMacédoine SaxMGA 234.jpg
 
Okay call me silly but I am getting that repro Pickelhaube for $250 CAD (about $181 USD). Kind of like the crazy history of this repro.

Any recommendations on how to reform the felt top? Steam maybe?

I will of course never sell it as real.
 
It all comes down to price. At $180, this reproduction is a worthwhile investment, especially for reenactments.

Regarding restoration, yes, we get very good results with a kettle. We pass the inside of the helmet over the steam, then the outside (for about fifteen seconds). Then we let it cool on a round surface (like a hat mold, a balloon, etc.).
 
But dont let the steam touch the liner. I made that very expensive mistake once ( mind you yours is a repo so it would not be so bad if it shrivels up) Rob
 
CLOVIS 57 said:
It all comes down to price. At $180, this reproduction is a worthwhile investment, especially for reenactments.

Regarding restoration, yes, we get very good results with a kettle. We pass the inside of the helmet over the steam, then the outside (for about fifteen seconds). Then we let it cool on a round surface (like a hat mold, a balloon, etc.).
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Thanks and for the advice.

Peter
 
Never tried to steam and shape a repo, but I believe since the liner leather is new, steam would do no damage. I completely wet new liners I make for restorations on a head form after sewing it in place in the helmet shell and allow them to dry to shape. Rob is 100% correct on not letting moisture touch an original leather liner. I too had an original liner dissolve in my hands when I exposed it to water. It all depends on the condition of the leather. If they have any dry rot, they will dissolve. For steaming, I use my wife’s clothes steamer. Felt haubes seem to shape well.

Ron
 
Rkinkade said:
Never tried to steam and shape a repo, but I believe since the liner leather is new, steam would do no damage. I completely wet new liners I make for restorations on a head form after sewing it in place in the helmet shell and allow them to dry to shape. Rob is 100% correct on not letting moisture touch an original leather liner. I too had an original liner dissolve in my hands when I exposed it to water. It all depends on the condition of the leather. If they have any dry rot, they will dissolve. For steaming, I use my wife’s clothes steamer. Felt haubes seem to shape well.

Ron
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Thanks.
 
Peter: Do some investigation as I did on Youtube as to how actual felt hat makers produce their goods. Hot steam will fry most anything if left too long including human flesh. Having owned one of these repros, they are very stiff and the felt has been treated with a stiffening product known to hatters as were the originals. I would spritz it with water and then place on a head form with pressure. Call me if you want and I will explain.
 
Received the helmet yesterday.

The condition of the felt falls in the "not as stiff as it should be" or "somewhat soft" category. So no need for any steam to reshape the top. If I put it on a head form it pushes up easily. But of course if I take it off it will sink back down.

I did a quick internet search and see the use of hair spray or white glue and water but they seem like amateur and potentially damaging ticks.

There is one small surface crack but it is only really right at the surface and does not go through.

Any thoughts on a way to stiffen the felt without ruining my "copy" pickelhaube?

Thanks.

PeterIMG_7154.jpegIMG_7151.jpegIMG_7152.jpegIMG_7153.jpeg
 
Okay so I fixed it with the unscented hairspray trick. Don't think I would do that with a non-repro but it turned out pretty nicely.

Before:
7e98f050-24a3-4541-8f43-3f94c873b00f (1).jpeg

After - nice and stiff now.

IMG_7165.jpeg
 
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