1916 Lobster Tail Pickelhaube

Jim Newman

New member
This is one of two pickelhauben I picked up a few months back from a local lady. Claims she is the granddaugher of the vet that brought them back. Has all sorts of his US stuff but only these two German items.

I believe this to be a Prussian cavalry or Grenedier, I guess an enlisted man who would ride to battle, dismount and fight. No unit id's but it is size 55. The black and white grommet was not with the helmet when I got it but I think it is the proper one, please advise. IF somebody has the other correct grommet for sale in similar condition I would be interested!

Not the best shape but I really like it, have it displayed on the mantel.

Jim
 
The "grommets" are actually called cockades Jim. The black and white one which you have is known as the state cockade and is always worn on the model 1891 side post above the left ear, you have it in the correct position. This is a Prussian helmet and thus the black and white cockade is correct as those are the state colours of Prussia. The missing cockade is known as the "reichs" cockade and its colours are red white and black. There are a couple up for sale on Ebay right now. Perhaps James le Brasseur here on the forum has one left that he would sell you. There are also pics here on the forum in the coakde/kokarde thread. Ideally the cockades on this should be cavalry style which are bigger but these smaller infantry ones will do.
That helmet is in excellent condition and as was said is a model 1915 (M 15) Prussian Jaeger zu Pherde helmet. The chin strap looks to be original ?? There are pre war versions of this with brass and white metal fittings on them. A very nice piece, thanks for posting the pics.
 
THANKS for confirmation on the cockade color and side. James le Brasseur, if you do have a set of proper cavalry cockades or the missing infantry style cockade I would be very much interested.

I am sure the chin strap is original, it came on the helmet and had the same feel and wear as all the other parts. All the WWI stuff was in one bin but I could only buy the two helmets, a few WWI buttons, his complete US gas mask set in the original bag and a couple cuff links.

I got real lucky finding out about this lady, one of my friends hooked me up as I am always asking for leads on old militaria.

She lives in the old money part of suburban Detroit (Grosse Pointe, near the Ford and Dodge estates), nice thing about living near an old big city is that very occasionally you do run across such stuff at garage sales etc.


Jim
 
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