Found two helmets in the attic of my grandmother

[JanaLaura]

Hello everyone,

my grandmother passed away last year, and while clearing out her attic we came across these two old helmets.

We are curious to learn more about them and were hoping someone here might be able to help identify their origin and possible age. We would also be interested to know if they might have any historical or collector’s value.

My grandfather fled from Prussia after World War II, so we were wondering if they could possibly be Prussian firefighter helmets, but we are not sure.

Any information or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much in advance!

 

[J.LeBrasseur]

both are firefighters helmets, others can speak more to specifics.

James

 

[Naprawiacz]

This first firefighter's helmet is an officer's helmet, probably from Saxony. It dates from before 1900 and is worth approximately 250 euros. The second firefighter's helmet is worth approximately 120 euros and dates from around 1900-1920.
Wojtek

 

[CLOVIS 57]

Hello,
I mostly agree with Wojtek and James.
Both helmets are Feuerwehr helmets. Both are standard helmets for non-commissioned firefighters.
(Officers' helmets were very similar to military officers' helmets, without the banana-shaped crest, but with a spike or a ball.

The first helmet is very interesting. It is an Ersatz, from the mobilization period. It is a firefighter’s helmet to which a ball was added for artillery use. With the artilleryman’s helmet cover, this was invisible. Jean-Louis Larcade discusses this in Volume 1 and shows examples.
Here are two with wooden tips!!! In a vintage photo, you can't tell because of the helmet cover.

And for comparison, a Badois fire officer's helmet.


In France, a firefighter's helmet costs about €100.
But a mobilization-era replica is worth at least €500.
Paid to second-class troops, particularly the Landwehr and Landsturm.

 

[JanaLaura]

Hello,
I mostly agree with Naprawiacz
Both helmets are Feuerwehr helmets. Both are standard helmets for non-commissioned firefighters.
(Officers' helmets were very similar to military officers' helmets, without the banana-shaped crest, but with a spike or a ball.

The first helmet is very interesting. It is an Ersatz, from the mobilization period. It is a firefighter’s helmet to which a ball was added for artillery use. With the artilleryman’s helmet cover, this was invisible. Jean-Louis Larcade discusses this in Volume 1 and shows examples.
Here are two with wooden tips!!! In a vintage photo, you can't tell because of the helmet cover. View attachment 75157
View attachment 75158
And for comparison, a Badois fire officer's helmet.
View attachment 75159

In France, a firefighter's helmet costs about €100.
But a mobilization-era replica is worth at least €500.
Paid to second-class troops, particularly the Landwehr and Landsturm.

Hi Clovis57,

thank you very much for taking the time to share this information. I’m really impressed by your knowledge — highly appreciated!

 

[JanaLaura]

This first firefighter's helmet is an officer's helmet, probably from Saxony. It dates from before 1900 and is worth approximately 250 euros. The second firefighter's helmet is worth approximately 120 euros and dates from around 1900-1920.
Wojtek

Hi Wojtek,
thank you very much for your information, highly appreciated!