Pretty ugly Reserve officer's haube.

Louis

Active member
I recently got this little guy, a reserve helmet for an officer, it is a bit "worn". Although for $85 I can't complain! It's marked 58 near the wappen and 58 1/4 at the back. the shell is also one piece of leather, and the spike has a second piece of metal inside covering the ventilation holes. I am however doubtfully of its size as next to my Baden size 58, It seems a wee bit smaller. My first course of action was to show you guys, and also take it apart. My plan is to reform the shell find a front visor, stitch back both visors, and shellac the exterior. I'm also going to reform the spine and the base of the spike. Finally, I'll gently clean some of the fittings. If budget allows I'll find an original silk cap and 3 officer's stars. Also, does anyone know of a site on which I can buy all the products of the shellac?
Happy viewing!IMG_1406.jpgIMG_1407.jpgIMG_1408.jpgIMG_1409 (1).jpgIMG_1410.jpgIMG_1411.jpgIMG_1412.jpgIMG_1414.jpgIMG_1415.jpgIMG_1416.jpgIMG_1417.jpgIMG_1418.jpgIMG_1419.jpg
 
Also, should I remove the sweat band because it is very hard to work on it with the sweat band and I don't want to reform the pickelhaube with in on for fear of damaging it.
 
I would not remove the sweatband, work around it. If you are wetting the shell for reshaping, put plastic (bag) between shell and sweatband to protect it. Yes, as Amy said....you got a hell of a deal despite the condition it is in.
 
Certainly a helmet worth picking up for the value of the parts. Personally, I give any helmet missing its' front visor trim a miss, let alone the front visor itself. It's a real long shot to find a trim piece that will fit, but hope springs eternal.

I would definitely have paid $85 for it and then some. Good luck with the project.
 
One has to realize that finding missing parts which will actually fit a project helmet is a total "crap shoot". You might get lucky or you might also buy 6 officer visors and still have nothing that fits after 10 years of searching. :(
 
Hey guys, I have a quick question as I have run into a problem. The spine seems to go to far into the spike. Is there any way to fix this?
 

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Sadly the dome of the helmet is not cooperating and is in a worse state than started. I am officially putting this project to rest and selling the pieces. If you want any of the pieces just pm me and we can work out a deal. I hope the parts can help someone else.
 
I would not remove the sweatband, work around it. If you are wetting the shell for reshaping, put plastic (bag) between shell and sweatband to protect it. Yes, as Amy said....you got a hell of a deal despite the condition it is in.
I agree with b.loree. Removing the sweat band would open a can of worms you don't want to open.
 
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