SkipperJohn
Well-known member
I have had this Prussian Dragoon for several years. It is in pretty good condition, but has been polished by a previous owner. I have cleaned it, but I have never attempted a complete removal of the old polish:
The helmet is pre-1880 and has only one Kokarde. There is no Kokarde on the left side. The spike is the short, stubby type common for 1867 and 1871 Model helmets:
The liner is the square tongue type used by officers prior to 1880:
The liner shows extensive wear. It is still pliable, but the leather has broken down and it crumbles easily if care is not taken when handling it. The helmet shell is "puckered" where the crucifix spike base is attached. I doubt that the spike base has ever been removed.
The rear spine is the officer/private purchase type without the two studs:
The Wappen is the dragoon type for officers:
It had been suggested that this helmet was built from a Beamter helmet and that the Dragoon Wappen was added; however the screw posts are only 62mm apart and there are no extra holes. The screw posts on Beamter Wappens are substantially farther apart. One nut has been replaced with a modern alternative:
The Wappen is highly detailed. It has a period repair to the crown. Apparently the crown broke off and it was soldered back on. The solder is typical for the period --- sloppily done:
The Kokarde is a twin ring officer type:
Here is the issue:
The spike does not unscrew. By 1914 all Dragoon Regiments were authorized to wear a Trichter. I do not know when the Dragoon Regiments were awarded the Trichter. I always thought that the parade plume was similar to a battle honor awarded to a unit after it had proven itself worthy. Since this helmet is pre-1880 I thought that it probably belonged to one of the dragoon regiments formed in 1866: Dragoon Regt's 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15.
Regardless, the helmet does display well:
I am open to all opinions or ideas on why the spike does not unscrew. Perhaps it is a Diensthelm and purchased for field use only???
John
The helmet is pre-1880 and has only one Kokarde. There is no Kokarde on the left side. The spike is the short, stubby type common for 1867 and 1871 Model helmets:
The liner is the square tongue type used by officers prior to 1880:
The liner shows extensive wear. It is still pliable, but the leather has broken down and it crumbles easily if care is not taken when handling it. The helmet shell is "puckered" where the crucifix spike base is attached. I doubt that the spike base has ever been removed.
The rear spine is the officer/private purchase type without the two studs:
The Wappen is the dragoon type for officers:
It had been suggested that this helmet was built from a Beamter helmet and that the Dragoon Wappen was added; however the screw posts are only 62mm apart and there are no extra holes. The screw posts on Beamter Wappens are substantially farther apart. One nut has been replaced with a modern alternative:
The Wappen is highly detailed. It has a period repair to the crown. Apparently the crown broke off and it was soldered back on. The solder is typical for the period --- sloppily done:
The Kokarde is a twin ring officer type:
Here is the issue:
The spike does not unscrew. By 1914 all Dragoon Regiments were authorized to wear a Trichter. I do not know when the Dragoon Regiments were awarded the Trichter. I always thought that the parade plume was similar to a battle honor awarded to a unit after it had proven itself worthy. Since this helmet is pre-1880 I thought that it probably belonged to one of the dragoon regiments formed in 1866: Dragoon Regt's 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15.
Regardless, the helmet does display well:
I am open to all opinions or ideas on why the spike does not unscrew. Perhaps it is a Diensthelm and purchased for field use only???
John