IR 111

Arrow

Arrow

Member
Here is a project I purchased a while back from emedels. The markings on the interior are pretty clear except for the date after 3B, looks like it could be 1910. Hope someone here can enlighten me as to what they all mean.

Here it is as I got it.
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And here it is after reshaping and refinishing
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Fun project and came out better than I had hoped.
Still need to find a shorter rear spine as the one that came with it is a bit too long.
Thanks for looking
Kevin
 
Excellent job, that must have taken a long time to complete. I see the date as 1909 although obviously, I don't have the piece in hand. Regarding the spine, I think the real problem is that as usual, the shell has shrunk leading you to think that the spine is too long. This comment is supported by the fact that the soldered split pin usually found on the inside of the spine, is missing. I have seen this many times...the shell shrinks, the spine becomes misshapen by the force or the split pin breaks off. To fix this, I have wet the inside area directly where the split pin hole is and then used my fist to force the leather back towards the spine. Having re soldered the pin before this, I then lock the spine back into place with the pin. You then block the area and use elastics to keep the area in position while it dries. Just a suggestion. :)
 
Wasn't sure I could get enough movement to fill the gap between the shell and the spine and hadn't considered soldering on a new split pin...brilliant! I'll give it a try.
I didn't keep track of the hrs., but with many coats of shellac, drying time, sanding, melting the dust with 195 proof alcohol, more drying time, repeat, it took a couple of months to complete.
 
Hi Kevin,
Very nice restauration, brought the helmet back to life.
Arrow said:
Hope someone here can enlighten me as to what they all mean.
Click to expand...
My interpretation:
I.R. 111.1909: received / inventoried by Infanterie Regiment Nr. 111 in 1909
3.B.1910(?): received by 3rd Bataillon in 1910
11.G.2.: no idea, it might be 11. Kompagnie (but it looks more like a "G" than a "C" to me)
R 111 1889: first received by Infanterie Regiment Nr. 111 in 1889

Maybe it was refurbished to bring it up to M1895 spec, with M91 chin-strap posts and M95 rear spine? Could explain the 1909 mark. Has the head been cut down in height?
Thanks for showing,
Lars
 
Hi Lars
I don't see any obvious signs of it being cut down but to be honest I wouldn't even know how to tell.
Would they have replaced the wappen as well or just moved the hooks to make the plate fit. The hooks on mine haven't been messed with.
That being said the 1889 date is puzzling.
Thanks
Kevin
 
Hi Kevin,
If you look on the inside of the helmet the clearest sign is old stitching holes / thread where a previous Ohrenleder (the reinforcement above the ear) used to be. When the helmet was reduced in size a strip was cut off from the underside of the helmet, and the Ohrenleder had to move up accordingly. Another indication is the edge of the helmet leather (hidden by the liner): this edge is normally thinner than the rest of the helmet, typically visible as a lighter part where some of the leather has been sanded(?) away; if the helmet was reduced in height, then this thinner edge has disappeared. Both signs are visible on a helmet that was cut down to make an M15 helmet, https://www.pickelhaubes.com/xf/threads/original-m15-restoration-conversion.11302/#post-79653
Regards,
Lars
 
Hi Lars
Thank you for the explanation.
I do see a second set of stitching holes in the ohrenleder. It's hard to tell for sure because the shell is so dry, but edge of the helmet does not seem thinner than the rest of it. Looks like it could be an older shell.
Kevin
 
Very common in the German army to update uniforms and equipment to the latest regulations. Really like the history of this helmet, first issued 1889 and still in use 1910 (and probably later) :)
 
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