Pioneer Battalion 10 EM 1895 pickelhaube

chinstrap

chinstrap

Active member
I got the chance at the weekend to buy this helmet, but had to make a very quick decision. It is clearly marked PB 10 1913 and has the Peninsula Waterloo bandeau on the wappen. I knew enough to know that this bandeau was worn by some units with Hanover connections but had no idea if this included a Pioneer Battalion. A quick check with Kaiser's Bunker confirmed that the combination of the wappen and the unit markings is correct - thanks,Tony. I took the plunge and bought it. Also found confirmation later in Larcade.


It is not perfect, but I'm very happy with it. Unfortunately the little eagle is missing from the top of the sceptre, there is some loss of lacquer and the brad for the visor trim on the left hand side has sheered, leaving the split pins in the hole. On the plus side, the markings are very clear, the wappen is crisp and very attractive, overall shape is good and visor stitching is solid. Not sure about the chin strap and state kokarde but not big issues for me. The helmet is a small size.

There may be a slightly yellow cast to the photos which were taken quickly on my phone, using room lighting on a not very bright day in Scotland. The wappen and all other fittings are white metal/ neusilber.

Patrick


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argonne said:
Hello,
Can you confirm that the metal fittings of the chinstrap are not magnetic? This would be good news!
Philippe
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Hi Philippe,

Not good news- the fittings are magnetic. I haven’t come across this test before.
When I looked closely at my photographs after posting I thought the end fittings look to be cut out by hand and also show file marks. However, as I said, whilst I’d prefer a genuine chinstrap, I can live with this one.

Thanks for your suggestion.

Patrick
 
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Since buying this helmet I have found some examples online of PB10 officer helmets, but not of EM examples. Are they particularly rare? Any views?

Patrick
 
I would keep that chinstrap on there as well. It looks perfect with your helmet!

And after reading your comments on this helmet, I have to say I think you understated it. It looks very nice! Your pictures captured it well.

A rare helmet, with a great looking chinstrap, owned by a guy named Chinstrap. It doesn't get any better than that!

Also, Semper Fi, and Happy 247th USMC Birthday to all of you fellow Leathernecks out there!

Bryan
 
Patrick,
Great looking helmet! And DITTO on all comments on the chinstrap. However, the chances of getting an original that is as good as this helmet are slim to none, so keep it on until an original comes your way.
Best regards,
John
 
b.loree said:
A very nice helmet with excellent markings and an awesome wappen! Congratulations 👍
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Brian, thanks for your comments. Given your views on ebay uk I thought you might like to know it was bought there, Buy It Now!

Thanks very much also to everybody else who has commented so positively. Pickelhaubes aren't my main area of collecting interest, so it was a bit of a leap of faith to go for this without benefit of other opinions. Glad it paid off.

Patrick
 
Well you did well Patrick, that is an excellent purchase indeed! Regarding Ebay UK, obviously I was remiss in stating a generalized condemnation of what is offered there. However, after 40 years of collecting I have seen lots of dodgy stuff being offered from UK sellers. Personally, I was burned years ago, by buying one of those 1970's UK produced felt shakos, in this case a Prussian M15. Consequently, despite being half Scottish and married to a lovely English born lady I would be very careful buying any militaria in the UK market without actually having it in hand for inspection. This is my opinion only, I have no wish to insult our UK members.
 
Hi Brian,

No offence taken. I just couldn’t resist tweaking you a bit about eBay UK.

As far as the helmet is concerned, would you advise replacing the brad for the visor strip or just leave well alone?

On a different topic, I am constantly amazed by the way you bring forlorn hopes back to life. A lot of skill, patience and perseverance. The latter two are probably honed through being a teacher!

Patrick
 
Ahhh! No problem there Patrick, the Scott in me loves a bit of humour/tweaking! I was raised on the Beano and the Dandy comics sent over by my Scottish Granny...and of course Oor Wullie! If it were mine Patrick, I would look for that missing bit, it is a small piece but the rest of the helmet is soooo good! Thanks for the "forlorn hopes" comment, which reminds me of the Richard Sharpe series. Yes, guilty as charged....as a teacher you have to be patient but still provide direction. Adolescence can be a very trying stage of life, it was for me and I think that helped later on. I also worked many summers during university on construction projects, so that taught me total respect for those who work with their hands and minds in the skilled trades! (y) (y)
 
A small addition to your post Patrick.... a couple of photos of my PB 10 wappen which I bought from Steve a few years back:
C0B02863-A8A5-4CD4-A30B-5D37ABFC97C6_1_201_a.jpeg
It was raining here today which explains the few water drops on the blue background.
F4657DB4-02EA-414F-8626-C7A203A9EBB8_1_201_a.jpeg
The wappen is an older example with screw posts instead of brass loops. The Napoleonic Battles bandeau is a separate piece soldered to the back of the eagle's neck. This is a prized piece in my wappen collection. You are very fortunate Patrick to have the complete well marked helmet to this special Battalion!
 
b.loree said:
A small addition to your post Patrick.... a couple of photos of my PB 10 wappen which I bought from Steve a few years back:
View attachment 26830
It was raining here today which explains the few water drops on the blue background.
View attachment 26831
The wappen is an older example with screw posts instead of brass loops. The Napoleonic Battles bandeau is a separate piece soldered to the back of the eagle's neck. This is a prized piece in my wappen collection. You are very fortunate Patrick to have the complete well marked helmet to this special Battalion!
Click to expand...
Yes you did
and I gave you a very special deal
I had that for many years and I purchased it
form the late German dealer Schultz Wolfgang von Mertschinsky
He set up at the old OVMS shows before the Drawbridge
but was also at the Drawbridge OVMS shows
Steve
 
Nice, I do like the wappen

I have one pioneer but want another. Im very fond of Pioneers having been a combat engineer / sapper myself back in the day.....
 
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