Hello,
I fully agree with most of what Brian and John wrote. In addition:
- The picture with the spike top off shows the spike and basis are made of white metal. This matt, golden patina is indeed typical of oxidized maillechort (Neusilber). The seller does state in the title it is a helmet with silver fittings. Then what is it? If it is really from Baden, it should be a pioneer helmet, unless someone has other suggestions. However, the spike would not unscrew on a pioneer helmet, and chinscales should be in brass. Are they?
- The spine does not adhere well to the shell. Not a good sign. These older models are generally sturdy and keep together quite well. Same for the plate, which does not fit tightly
- The Reich cockade has nothing to do on a 1871 model, unless... (see below)
- My main point, though, is that there is something striking when you look at the side pictures (#5 and 7): this does not look like a 1871 shell (shape, height), but more like a 91, if not 95 model.
In aggregate, I do not think this is a 1871 model; I would rather vote for a 91-95 variant, perhaps an Extra-Helm with Perlring, no aerator, and screwed-on chinscales (is it a conicidence that the spine attachment to the rear bill has been hidden on the pictures? It is a useful indication for identification). Then could it have been worn much later with a Reich cockade?..
Alternatively, it may be a put-together helmet, with notably a wrong plate.
I may be wrong. It is of course difficult to build a strong opinion without seeing the thing in the flesh, but some additional pictures provided by the seller might be decisive. It is intriguing that she declined to send more...
