1915-dated Prussian Filzhelm . . . or not . . .

cmf

New member
Hello all,

This is my first post! I’ve been collecting militaria seriously for a few years, including a number of pickelhauben, mostly from a trusted dealer who’s been in the business for 40 years. However, last autumn I was in London and chanced upon a lovely looking 1915-dated Prussian Filzhelm in a dealer’s shop; maybe it was too good to be true, but the elements seemed right, so I took a punt on it. Once bought, and with a chance to consult my sources, it seems to contradict itself, especially the screw spike (God knows why I didn’t notice the spike at the time), and markings (let’s just say Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 4 didn’t have a very active war . . .), but then again the front and rear peaks seem authentic . . . I’d look to ask forum members for their opinion, and get some answers to what the heck I purchased . . . I’m resigned to having to put this one down to experience . . .

Thanks!

Chris
 

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  • FRONT (i).jpg
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  • SPIKE.jpg
    SPIKE.jpg
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  • FRONT PEAK  - RIGHT.jpg
    FRONT PEAK - RIGHT.jpg
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  • LEFT (v).jpg
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More pics . . .
 

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  • REAR PEAK & SPINE.jpg
    REAR PEAK & SPINE.jpg
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  • SPIKE (ii).jpg
    SPIKE (ii).jpg
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  • SPIKE REMOVED - LEFT.jpg
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  • SPIKE REMOVED - RIGHT.jpg
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  • SPIKE REMOVED - ABOVE.jpg
    SPIKE REMOVED - ABOVE.jpg
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More . . .
 

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  • SPIKE NECK.jpg
    SPIKE NECK.jpg
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  • SPIKE INTERIOR.jpg
    SPIKE INTERIOR.jpg
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  • SPIKE UNSCREWED.jpg
    SPIKE UNSCREWED.jpg
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  • SPINE - VENTILATION SHUTTER.jpg
    SPINE - VENTILATION SHUTTER.jpg
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  • PREUßEN HELMADLER.jpg
    PREUßEN HELMADLER.jpg
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Ditto . .
 

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  • CHIN-STRAP (FRONT).jpg
    CHIN-STRAP (FRONT).jpg
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  • CHIN-STRAP (BACK).jpg
    CHIN-STRAP (BACK).jpg
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  • HELMET INTERIOR.jpg
    HELMET INTERIOR.jpg
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  • HELMET INTERIOR DETAIL.jpg
    HELMET INTERIOR DETAIL.jpg
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  • REAR SPINCE- SCREW & NUT.jpg
    REAR SPINCE- SCREW & NUT.jpg
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Last lot . . .
 

Attachments

  • REAR SPINE - SCREW & NUT (ii).jpg
    REAR SPINE - SCREW & NUT (ii).jpg
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  • ISSUE DATE AND SIZE.jpg
    ISSUE DATE AND SIZE.jpg
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  • RIR 4.jpg
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  • KOKARDEN (FRONT).jpg
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  • KOKARDEN (BACK).jpg
    KOKARDEN (BACK).jpg
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Yes , a fake unfortunately. It was the spike that really gives it away to me and the puffy edged liner.
 
Think this may have the same source as this https://www.ebay.com/itm/WW1-German-Felt-Ersatz-Pickelhaube-Helmet-/202632586331?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10 . Both appear to be using some dug parts.
 
I tend to agree with Amy. This looks like a Belarus copy.
I know this will sound strange --- but it looks too good to be from India.
There are always several copies from Belarus on Ebay. Some are quite convincing --- others, not so much.

John :)
 
Many thanks to all who offered their thoughts and shared their experience! Ah well, a fake from somewhere east of the Vistula, but at least (possibly) a good one! :iconbiggrin: I'll let this be a salutary lesson to stick to a trusted dealer . . . and I'll console myself with the Baden ORs M. 1895 I purchased a couple weeks ago, unit stamped to Train-Abteilung Nr. 14 (which I might post) . . .

Cheers!

Chris
 
SkipperJohn said:
I tend to agree with Amy. This looks like a Belarus copy.
I know this will sound strange --- but it looks too good to be from India.
There are always several copies from Belarus on Ebay. Some are quite convincing --- others, not so much.

John :)

Belarusians sell, copies themselves are made in Ukraine, but the photo does not work from Ukraine or Belarus, I know that
 
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