Once again, my warmest congratulations to the seller. I am very happy for you, Mike!
Now, look around, Wihu61, and you will find them. These older models are not that rare and are, on average, (and paradoxically) less sought after than WW1 headgear. I attended the Cowan auction last week in Cincinnati and a really very nice 1867 prussian helmet with a beautiful patina went for $ 1200, not to mention the many older models that sold for very reasonable prices. A collector friend of mine found a couple years ago a great 1860 prussian model in "attic condition' and was happy to sell it for a mere $ 800.00... I persist and affirm that $ 3000 for an ordinary 1860 prussian model is pure craziness on the current market. Or if this is the real trend, then my own collection makes me a billionnaire... good to know!
But after all, this is just auction frenzy, and am I not the first one who can succumb?...
Bruno