Not sure what to make of this one

SkipperJohn

SkipperJohn

Well-known member
I'm not sure about this one. I have heard of spikes that unscrew like this but have never personally seen one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WW1-IMPERIAL-GERMAN-BAVARIAN-OFFICERS-PICKELHAUBE-HELMET-ORIGINAL/232527308075?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3Df96f71a8f5db4103aab53c569c3cf4cf%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D391891793248&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The metal fittings all look gritty or bubbled.
It appears that the rosettes have been soldered onto the chinscales, and not very professionally done.
The liner is unique.
Over-spray on the Bavarian cockade.
I wouldn't buy it, but there are currently 49 bids.

John :?
 
John,
I think this helmet is legit and genuine, albeit in a rather poor condition. A typical war time officer helmet, with the whole spike detachable and the special officer-type chinscales that can attach to 91 side posts.
On my screen, the cockade seems to be in its original colour too...
I would not go for it because of condition but for me there is no issue as to authenticity.
Just my opinion though...
Bruno
 
At this moment it's on 254 quid with only one day to go. I can't afford the equivalent in euros (would be about 300 euros), but if I had money just like in the olden days I would certainly bid on this one, up to let's say 400 euros.

Although I am not totally sure, I tend to agree with most of Bruno's opinion. However, I distrust the Wappen. If it is indeed (like Bruno says and with which I tend to agree) a typical war time officer helmet, the leaves between the legs of the lions shouldn't be there - they were removed in 1914. Generally speaking, there's something about that Wappen that makes me suspicious.

Yet: if I had money, I would definitely bid on the helmet up to 400 euros, that's about 470 USD.
 
What concerns me is the chin strap is missing the small leather strap that joins the scale parts together. The buckle on these was always a hard piece to fake, so many copies didn't have them.
 
I support Bruno's analysis, the piece is a legitimate wartime production officer's helmet, not in the best of condition but not a fake. This is one of the few pieces which I have seen from the UK that "rings true". We had excellent pictures of this style of helmet on the forum before the Photo Bucket piracy raid. :thumbsdown: The chin scales were made this way so they could be easily removed and a plain leather strap put on. This spike design reflects the M15 spike which could be removed to lower the wearer's profile in the trenches.
 
b.loree said:
I support Bruno's analysis, the piece is a legitimate wartime production officer's helmet, not in the best of condition but not a fake. This is one of the few pieces which I have seen from the UK that "rings true". We had excellent pictures of this style of helmet on the forum before the Photo Bucket piracy raid. :thumbsdown: The chin scales were made this way so they could be easily removed and a plain leather strap put on. This spike design reflects the M15 spike which could be removed to lower the wearer's profile in the trenches.
Click to expand...

It sold for $882.08 US and I am happy for the buyer.
When I looked at the metal fittings they all appeared pitted, or gritty.
It almost looked like someone had painted over dust.

Thanks for the education though. I have seen spikes on these officer helmets that had lugs like an enlisted spike, but I had never seen one that unscrewed. Seems like it could be easily damaged in the field.

John :)
 
Here is another example, John:

https://ageofkingsmilitaria.com/307-pickelhaube-and-other-headgear-bavarian-reserve-officer-model-1896-circa-1916" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
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