Prussian Officer Spike Helmet 1871

Thank You for accepting me.

I want to show You my first spike helmet, an early Prussian Officer. From what I found out it is a Model 1871 (split-pin rosettes and rear spine), but manufactured before 1880 (as the liner with the cut-straight waffle-pattern leather tongues indicates).

Am I right? I am no expert, just learning in this field.

Have a nice evening,
Steve

Hello Steve,

Excellent purchase for a beginner. It's very good, and you described it perfectly. It's not a modified M67 M71, as it has a seam under the rear spine.
This helmet was no longer worn after 1897 because it does not have its Reichskokard on the right, but still its Landskokard instead.

Looks great. It is a very nice first purchase.

Gabe

Great purchase.

It's an excellent example of the M1871 Prussian Infantry officer's helmet. Whoever wore this must have exited military service prior to the introduction of the Reichskokarde in 1897. With the introduction of the Reichskokarde it was worn on the right side (the traditional position of prominence) and the Prussian Landeskokarde was moved to the left side. The vast majority of helmets were updated to wear the two Kokarden in order to comply with regulations. Somehow this one wasn't.

Great helmet, congratulations. You have had a good eye considering it was your first purchase

Congratulations and welcome to the forum.

Nice helmet, I love the older models.

James

Thank You all for Your nice comments!

Last year my interest in 19th century Prussian items arose. And I am glad that I've found this early spike helmet. Although I originally searched for a M67 spike helmet (officer or NCO/enlisted). I wanted an item which could have been used in the 1870/71 Franco-Prussian War.

@CLOVIS 57 Yes, I already assumed that is not an upgraded M67 as also the split-pin holes doesn't look as if there was previously another fitting method (some more pics attached), but of course it is obvious that it can't be an old M67 when a seam is present under the rear spine. I must admit that I didn't realized this simple fact. Thank You, I've learned something.

@Sandmann I am collecting for some decades now, although other stuff of other times (Luftwaffe WW2), but I learned to start with research. Actually, I found Your great website only after I have bought two expensive books. A member of the Militaria Fundforum gave a hint to Your site.

Yes, the absence of a vertical back seam is undeniable on the M67.

Little display:

Steve,
Welcome to the forum. You have a fantastic helmet and a very sharp display. Thanks for sharing.
Best regards
John

Thank You for Your kind words, John!

Welcome!
-A nice helmet. Great pics. All details. Good study.

Thanks a lot!