Model 1895, Regt. 115

T

TallBob

New member
New to this forum, I recently acquired this Pickelhauben. I've done some research on the internet so I **think** I know what I have. But there are some questions, so I'm interested in getting some opinions here.
What I think I know:
- Model 1895 Hessen Leibgarde Infanterie, Regiment 115
- issued helmet, not private (you can't see it but the crown is not voided)
Questions?
- Isn't the 1621 banner supposed to be kind of tucked under the spike base?
- The finish on the Wappen is darker than the spike, why?
- I read somewhere that some brass helmets were treated with a chemical to "whiten" them, and then they turned a darker grey. Could that be the source for this Wappen? Or am I dreaming?
- The Kokarde are missing? Is that common?
- Any idea what the words above "1915" inside the helmet mean? Is it a name?
- What does R.B.A. 18 mean under the visor?
- And then of course, the subjective question, what is it worth?
- Any other comments or question are welcome, and I thank you in advance.
Bob
Helmet1.jpg

Helmet2.jpg

Helmet3.jpg

Helmet5.jpg

Helmet7.jpg

Helmet8.jpg
 
The name in your helmet is the manufacturer, Martin Mayer in the city of Mainz. The helmet was made in 1915.

The following topic may be of interest and should provide some additional information on your helmet.

http://www.pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5256&hilit=115" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Reservist1
 
Welcome to the forum! You've come to the right place. I'm sure some folks who know Hessian helmets better than I will offer advice and answer questions.

But yes, the bandeau would go under the cross base and plate. If there is no impression under the bandeau caused by the base, I'd wonder about its authenticity, could be an add-on (But I think I can see one in the photo, which is GOOD!). Anyhoo, it's very common for cockades to be missing, look on "Tony and Kaiser"'s post and find his web site. On it is a link for Age of Kings, they have replacements that are reproductions. More photos of the inside of the helmet and such would help a lot, but it looks nice.

Also, somebody had this hanging on a wall (hence the bent retainer for the back spine). This could be carefully bent back as you work on the helmet if it's not too brittle... but BE CAREFUL!! Other members do restorations and can offer advice. As mentioned, with a little TLC, this could be a nice helmet.

:D Ron
 
Hi Bob, welcome to the forum. Great helmet and quite rare as been mentioned. RBA 18 is the Army Korps stamp which in this case is correct for a Hessen helmet. Germany was divided up into Korps distrcts and the Hessen Regts were from the 18th korps area. So that stamp is a good thing. The difference in colour/patina on the different fittings is due to aging over time. As the owner, its up to you as far as cleaning them goes. Some guys here leave them as is, I clean my fittings once then leave it to the next collector. If you want to clean the fittings then please ask here for help before doing so. I can recommend some cleaners which will not dammage the fittings. The helmet is also mishappen due to storage. It looks like one of the domed brads holding the front visor trim on is pulling away from the shell. The helmet could be put back into the correct shape. Your liner is excellent. I also see one missing square nut for one of the screw posts holding the spike base down again common to have one mising.
Regarding the rear spine...the tang end needs to be bent back around the edge of the visor. You can see the marks on the inside of the visor where was originally. There was also a screw post solderd to the inside of the spine that went through the hole in the visor and tang. A square nut on this post secured the end of the spine to the visor. Do not leave the helmet sitting on its visors, always support the helmet from the inside. Check out Tony Schnurr's web site The Kaisers Bunker for more advice on looking after these helmets.
 
Wow, guys. Great information from everyone and I haven't digested it all yet.
I'm not a Pickelhaube collector, so I'm very, very nervous about trying to clean or repair anything on this helmet. I don't want to mess it up.
I will want to sell it sooner or later so I'm wondering if fixing it up will increase the value or just selling it to a collector who knows what they're doing.
Anyone want to take a stab at what it might be worth as-is compared to fixed-up? Or is that kind of talk better suited to a buy/sell thread?
THX
Bob
 
Hey Bob

Value of a helmet is a difficult subject. It all matters really to how much someone is willing to pay for it, the rarity of the regiment, the condition and the desire for it. Key things about your helmet is the stamp, the fittings and condition. The condition in my opinion is "good", the unique fittings for the regiment are there, the stamp is a great selling point that validates the authenticity, also the makers stamp Martin Mayer is very common for these helmets of this regiment. The Hessen style kokarde is missing and it is difficult to find one but I don't think it takes away any of the value. Are there any extra holes that shouldn't be there in the leather body of the helmet?
 
weirdpyramid said:
Hey Bob

Value of a helmet is a difficult subject. It all matters really to how much someone is willing to pay for it, the rarity of the regiment, the condition and the desire for it. Key things about your helmet is the stamp, the fittings and condition. The condition in my opinion is "good", the unique fittings for the regiment are there, the stamp is a great selling point that validates the authenticity, also the makers stamp Martin Mayer is very common for these helmets of this regiment. The Hessen style kokarde is missing and it is difficult to find one but I don't think it takes away any of the value. Are there any extra holes that shouldn't be there in the leather body of the helmet?
Click to expand...

I sell vintage stuff online so understand the "whatever someone is willing to pay" aspect.
Looked it over pretty good and I don't see any holes in the leather body.
Bob
 
If you are going to sell it on the net, I would not clean or try to fix anything.
 
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