condition,condition,condition

G

gregM

New member
That's what Tony has been telling me for months. So I have been
trying to learn what to look for when searching for my first helmet.
Take a look at this one and see if I am close on my assessment.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pickelhaube-Preussen_W0QQitemZ150286659928QQihZ005QQcategoryZ34649QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

As I learned yesterday :D --This does appear to be an officer's helmet.
It has the rings on the spike and stars to hold it down. The spike has at
the very least been polished, posibbly even replaced. Probably replaced
as it was damaged when the helmet was dropped and the helmet body
crushed in.

The stitching on the rear brim is starting to come loose as (the corners
look to be sticking away from the body) The front brim is starting to
shrink as there is a gap at the corner of the brim and the brass trim.

The kokades appear to be original and not repainted. ( I have no clue if the chin strap is original or not)

The liner looks to be original and in desent condition.

SO--How did I do? Was I even close?

Greg
 
Greg,
You did not come even close...
This is a prussian military official helmet. Not the most exciting in terms of historic siginificance but why not if in good condition...
However it is missing the small eagle, at the bottom of the large one, which is the mark of this rank. The chinscales are not correct; they should be convex. The overall quality is mediocre. The shell is not nice. The eagle has lost the matt gold finish that characterizes officer helmets (a significant drop in the value of any officer helmet...). None of the fittings, be it the front plate, spike mount or rear spine, is tightly affixed to the shell.
My firm advice should be: stay away and take Tony's advice: condition!!
Best wishes,
Bruno
PS: what do you ride?..
 
911car said:
You did not come even close...
That does not surprise me.

it is missing the small eagle, at the bottom of the large one, which is the mark of this rank.
I don't even know what that means :?

The eagle has lost the matt gold finish that characterizes officer helmets (a significant drop in the value of any officer helmet...)
That's interesting. I thought the overall patina on this thing(except the polised spike) looked good. I have seen helmets where the front plate looked lighter, less tarnised then the trim and I always suspected them of
having reproductin wappen.

With condition and "historical significance" comes expense. I kknow that
you guys are easily bored by the standard helmet. I would be proud to
own one just like I posted. However I want it to be correct. That is, not
a bunch of miss matched parts. With a small budget, sacrifices will
have to be made. I can accept not having a museum quality haube.
That's why I am here. to learn what to look for so when I do take that
next step, I get my money's worth.

Thanks for your help. I appreciate all the help I can get.
Greg

PS: what do you ride?..
Click to expand...
HARLEY DAVIDSON and I also have an old 1969 Triumph Chopper.
G.
 
Greg,
Look, on this forum, at a discussion named "Prussian army veterinary officers", in the "Pickelhaube discussion" section. Last post on April 8th, 2008. You will see the small eagle I was refering to.
Yes, officer helmet front emblems were usually matt gilded whereas other fittings were polished, hence a different appearance.
You can find an excellent, authentic genuine spike helmet at a reasonable price. It takes patience and insight. Just do not buy something because it is cheap.
Bruno
 
Thanks again Bruno.
That was a very interesting thread about the small eagle.
I have never seen one before.

Greg
 
This is what I meant Greg. Almost 100% original gilding. Almost no damage or wear. Expensive, but you can see how it makes a good investment. Now, this is also an oddity, as it is so nice. But always aim as high as you can and do not settle for beaters.

M15.jpg


M15_interior.jpg
 
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