Colombian Pickelhaube

[M240B]

Guys, I am really glad that I found this forum. I have no past expierence with pickelhaubes so I was hoping that someone here might be able to help me out.

I recently ran into a Colombian Pickelhaube that are still being used down here in Bogota, Colombia. I know that the Presidential Guards as well as acadamies here still them but I have no idea about how much they are going for. Take a look at these pics and please advise on how much I should pay for it. Thanks

 

[b.loree]

I know nothing about these hauben except that as you say, they are still being used in S. America. However, from the pictures the following raises alarm bells. The spike neck is weird and does not fit the spike top properly. To my mind, the helmet plate is not original to the helmet as it extends half way down the visor and does not fit close to the helmst shell. There are also extra holes in the top of the shell. There are black stains in the top of the helmet that suggest to me that some amateur refinishing has gone on. The front visor trim does not extend up to the corner of the visor either as on original pickelhauben. The split brad buttons on the front visor trim also should cover the trim end where it is cut. Perhaps these differences are due to cheap modern manufacture? Frankly, I would not buy this helmet. My 2 cents worth anyway. Brian

 

[M240B]

Brian, thanks for the info. I believe that the helmet has been refinished but I did not know to what degree. Pretty much everything down here is of cheap construction or has had a really bad "restoration" job done to it.

Does anybody know where I can find info on this type of Pickelhaube? Any pics out there of an original that I can compare to?

 

[Alguien]

Hi.

In Colombia We Use the Pickelhauben, and the Prussian Military Uniforms. in all the Armed Forces (Army, Air Fore, National Police, and Some in the Navy), But the PickelHaube is only used by the Army and the National Police.

In the Army is Used but the Officers, Cadets and soldiers of the Presidential Guard.

Cadets and Officers

Presidential Guard.

Old Photos.

Other photos
http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/gumercindo-cuellar/Fuerzas%20militares" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In the National Policeis Used but Officers and Cadets.

See
http://www.policia.gov.co/portal/page/portal/INSTITUCION/CARTELERA/DOCTRINA_POLICIAL/Tab/23.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The air Force use Prussian Uniforms but dont use pickelhauben.

 

[joerookery]

Very very nice photos! Thank you thank you. :bravo: :bravo: :bravo:

 

[Spiker]

Ladies with pickelhaubes are soooo sexy ! :love10:

 

[stuka f]

..with only pickelhaubes!!
:lol:

 

[stuka f]

Only regrettable thing is to see how little attention is given to a good finition on modern items.
When you look at the helmet plate and compare to thise 19 century button, even with today knowledge and tools!

 

[Alguien]

Some Videos.


Army
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTnQSqcKzr8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

National Police
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxzEsUIVzac" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Alguien]

 

[pvluger]

For reference, here's my example pictured with German made WKC officer's sword. The tag reads, "Cascos y Figuras, Ind. Colombiana."

 

[pvluger]

Tag...

 

[pointystuff]

Is the helmet body made from cast/molded fiberglass?

 

[pvluger]

From what I can gather, both the enlisted/NCO and officer versions are molded fiberglass. The enlisted/NCO is all fiberglass with a simple leather chinstrap. The Officer version, which is exactly the same as those used by the cadets at the army academy, "Jose Maria Cordoba", are made of both fiberglass and leather with very heavy lacquer coating applied to it. The front visor and rear skirt have leather on the underside. Also, it is equipped with a leather chinstrap with brass chinscales.---Overall quality of the officer version parts are quite good but not fitted to perfection once assembled.

Other than for use at the academy, army pickelhaubes are used mainly for presidential guards and officer's within the presidential guard.

The Colombian National Police officers use pickelahubes of the same quality and finish as the army officers for parade/ceremony.

The original Colombian pickelhaubes of old were of course made in Germany with wrap around front plates. The quality of course was excellent. I have seen these in the army museum in Bogota and have some photos which I can post later.

There are many military outfitter stores in downtown Bogota on 9th Street and 9th Avenue. Many things are for sale for military personnel only. One needs special permission to purchase anything Military or Police. However, if you happen to be a tourist and not local, you may be able to purchase something since the shop owners feel you will not be staying anyway.--just be aware it is highly illegal in Colombia to purchase and own any of these items.

Due to US involvement and support with training the Colombian military, the vast majority of the webbing and equipment is US surplus. The insignia is either made in Germany or the U.S. by N.S. Meyer of New York. Once again, thanks to the US the economy in Colombia has greatly improved and Colombian insignia companies have been popping up. This could be the reason for the decline in quality with insignia and picklehaube parts.

Colombian uniforms army, police, etc. are made locally by the Colombian government, Example, "Batallon de Intendencia Las Juanas" for the army.

 

[pvluger]

From the army museum...