Lachmann M.1915 Cavalry helmets

[Mart Vear]

Hello forum members,

I've recently been lucky enough to purchase my 9th "lobstertail" as part of my expanding collection that has reached it's half-century! A Lachmann M.1915 (at last).

Would be very interested in comments from fellow collectors who possess a Lachmann. Please post comments to the following observartions:-

1). The Wappen (standard line eagle) is of the smaller Infanrty sized pattern as opposed to the considerably larger plate featured on C.E.Junker & Heilbing u. Sackewitz manufactured [C.1916 dated] helmets.

2). Zinc-phosphate plated Wappen, spike (cavalry type), base and edge trim

3). Cockades:- large or small - what is correct?

4). Chinstrap. Brown or black leather? By 1916 why dye leather black? Check out my Saxon GR cavalry helmet that is posted in Uncle Joe's site under M.1915 grey Wappen plates, etc.

All comments greatfully received.

Will try to post a few pictures soon.

Regards,

Martin Vear.

 

[Tony without Kaiser]

Hello Martin,

Congratulations on obtaining a Lachmann M15.

1. Regarding the eagle Wappen, until Bruno if I recall) posted a grey steel Kürassier pattern eagle Wappen this year, I had never seen one, and did not even think they existed. The majority of M15 Kürassier helmets seem to have the standard M15 eagle Wappen worn by Infantry, Artillery, Pioneer, etc. Every Lachmann I have seen, has the standard M15 eagle.

2. While leather Pickelhaube fittings are always Zinc-phosphate plated, again, the fittings (except the eagle) on Lachmann's that I have seen, seem to almost be grey/green painted as in my example below.

3. In 1860 the Kokarde was reduced to 63 mm for Kürassier, which can be found with both the small-hole (pre-1891) and with the larger hole for the M1891 chinscale mount. Model 1915 Metalhelme are found with both the large 63 mm M1891 Metalhelme Kokarde and the standard M1891 Pickelhaube pattern Kokarde. My hypothesis (based on nothing, feel free to ignore) is that M15s found with the larger Kokarde, were just manufacturer's using up the old Kokarden. Once these began to be exhausted, standard M15 Kokarde were worn, as you will find helmets with both.

4. Brown or black? I have seen only black. Brown would be the exception in my opinion.

Looking forward to seeing some of your helmets.

 

[J.LeBrasseur]

I have two Lachmanns and my brother just picked up a rather mint one as well! All 3 have smaller Kokarden as Tony mentioned as well as black leather chinstraps and standard line eagles.

James

 

[Lost Skeleton]

Hello Martin:

Per your request, this is my Lachmann:

1. Standard line eagle Wappen
2. IMO, Zinc-phosphated Wappen and trim (see macros below)
3. Small Kokarden
4. Black leather chinstrap (brown leather liner)

Chas.