M95 Prussian Guard Enlisted Helmet

[ww1czechlegion]

Yes, Eigentum is what I called Extra-Helm. It is true that the helmet has most features of a "Kammer" example. I am not sure that grommets were ever present though. Perhaps Alan can tell us what it looks like from inside.
Thank you, Alan!

Hello Bruno,
a trained eye can make out the mark around the 8mm hole (see the red arrow). This mark is visible from both sides. These holes were punched and are perfectly round, unlike the larger enlargements made with a cutter.
View attachment 73990

Hi Bruno and Thierry,

I finally took the time to shoot some photos of the helmet on the inside and outside, with the wappen removed.

On the viewer's right side hole, Thierry points out what appears to be a mark that would indicate a former metal grommet ring may have been present.

On the viewer's left side of the helmet, it does not appear to have that indication.

And on the inside of the helmet, I will show both the right and left side holes. My eyes seem to tell me that the only thing I can see is the wear signs of a washer used with the nut on the screw post for both holes.

Maybe someone else has better eyes than what I have.

I look forward to any comments about the two enlarged holes for the wappen.

Thanks,

Alan





Here are the viewer's Right side of the helmet holes, both the outside and the inside:













Here are photos of the viewer's Left Side of the helmet wappen hole, both the outside and inside of the helmet views:

 

[CLOVIS 57]

Thanks, Alan, for the photos.
My conclusion:
---Regulation M95 helmet. (There’s nothing “fancy” about it—the spike is standard, as are the rear spine, the chin strap, the liner, and the shell.)
---Unmarked helmet from a Guard regiment or the B.A.G.; it may have been sold by the B.A., since it is a regulation model.
---This helmet originally had regulation M95 eyelets for Garde-Adler buckles, but an M91 eagle was affixed (with screws and nuts). The original holes were drilled to specification using an 8mm punch for eyelets. After the eyelets were removed, the holes were enlarged toward the top, but this was not done by a professional leatherworker.
Why?
So that the eagle’s tail would sit just above the visor...
However, this helmet was always intended for the Guard. In fact, Prussian Guard helmets always have a 10-centimeter distance between the mountings, which is the case here.

The advantage of such a helmet, if it is “Eigentum,” is that it is not a fancy “Extra-Helm,” which allows this Feldwebel to wear it in the garrison because its construction complies with regulatory standards.
Often, this type of helmet is adorned with a name tag for identification and ownership.

Best regards.

 

[ww1czechlegion]

Hi Thierry,

Thanks very much for this explanation, I appreciate it! It all makes sense to me now.

It is unfortunate that there is not a name tag anywhere to be found inside of the helmet.

Best Wishes,

Alan