Garde Reiter?

poniatowski

poniatowski

Well-known member
I saw this in google images and clicked on it when I saw it was an auction. Does this look odd to anybody other than me? For example, it looks like a shell from one of the replicas being sold, but I can't tell if the cape is one piece or segmented. If it's one piece, I don't think replicas have capes like that, since the all tend to be segmented. However, the lack of overall form, the chin scales and forced looking aging make me wonder. Stamped numbers and such don't always mean a lot to me, since those can be replicated quite well by any competent metal-smith. This is one I'd like to have had in hand to examine! Of course, not having seen a LOT of these in the flesh, about four, I'm no expert.

Any thoughts?

http://www.cowanauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=65206" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

VR

:D Ron
 
That's what I was thinking but it's a reputable auction house as far as I know... Makes me wonder if I'm wrong or they are. Another reason I'd like to have had a look at this, since when I zoom in, it seems to be thin enough to be tombak, but that shell, chin scales.... :-k :-k

:D Ron
 
poniatowski said:
... but it's a reputable auction house as far as I know... Makes me wonder if I'm wrong or they are.
:D Ron
Click to expand...

This would not be the first time that a so-called reputable dealer has an questionable helmet for sale. I've seen this before at e.g. Weitze and Rittmeister.

Regards,

Edwin
 
Auction houses are the dumping grounds for a lot of things; but I'm not sure about this helmet not being authentic...
 
Redlegwolf said:
Auction houses are the dumping grounds for a lot of things; but I'm not sure about this helmet not being authentic...
Click to expand...


To me, the plate looks good, but the rest of it doesn't. Like I said, I've only seen a few of these, but this looks like a repro shell with stampings added, but I may be wrong. The big thing is the cape, which would probably be one piece, and the weight of the shell. Tombak is very light and the shell flexes a lot. Also the chin scales don't look right, unless some officers wore gilt or brass, rather than tombak, scales. However, the dealer is reputable and has examined this close up, so you may be right.... still wouldn't bid on it though. :-k

:D Ron
 
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