Hessen

D

Doc_Holliday

Member
Hello.

What do you think of this hessen helmet?

Doc

http://cgi.ebay.de/Pickelhaube-Hessen-Leibgarde-von-1916_W0QQitemZ300061737553QQihZ020QQcategoryZ34649QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
Nothing very good... It does not have the Hessen spike and basis; although some were issued with the ordinary prussian spike it is a pity not to have the characteristic hessian model.
I have never seen such engraved markings on a hessian helmet. These may be authentic but...
The liner does not seem to be in a great condition.
The cockade is doubtful.
What's left? The plate is nice...
Bruno
 
I have seen markings like these numerous times on Bavarian helmets and occaisionally on Prussian ones so, there is a precedent. My JR115 is marked BA 18.....one would usually expect the Korps number to be in Roman numerals. In addition, there are no regt markings but the helmet is totally correct. I have also seen shortened forms of the full Rgt name being used which from what I can see is what we have here. I have also seen Regt numbers painted in white and red. So typically, there are many variations on the usual black ink stamped letters and numbers. I would not bid on this helmet however, due to the problems with the spike. The accepted spike variation is for the M15 model not for the M95. Brian
 
Brian is right; there were many ways to mark leather helmets. These "engraved" markings are also very common on saxon helmets.
I only disagree with the prussian spike being restricted to M15 hessian helmets. It is also found occasionally on 1895 models. I even know of a JR117 with the round basis and prussian spike. This may habe been done during wartime though. We mentioned before that Hesse was a cheap state...
Bruno
 
Hello,

I think these ugly markings (not on same line, too small) are false.
Never seen such on an hessian helmet.
Here the engraved marking on a Saxe GR 101.
marquagescz4.jpg


Wrong markings, round spike base... Much for the same helmet.
And I do not think that Hessian state was cheap with helmets, some of them are the most beautiful of German Army.
 
I didn't say hessian helmets are not beautiful. We all agree on this but it is well known that Hesse, as a state, was not the wealthiest one in Germany at that time. Re-worked hessian helmets are not rare. As quoted by Larcade, when the new JR115 helmet was adopted, they first tried to chemically whiten the former yellow metal fittings on existing helmets, which turned out to be a disaster... fortunately, since the JR115 helmet we all know was then made.
Bruno
 
Here are some impressed markings on a M1867 Hessen that was used in the Franco-Preußen war by Dragoner Regt Nr. 23, and then re-issued to IR117 after DR23 adopted silver fittings. What is most interesting, is that on this example the DR23 markings are black ink and pre-date the impressed 117. So they did both. Even on the same helmet.

dbh44e.jpg
 
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