Oldenburgisches Dragoner-Regt. Nr. 19

[Lost Skeleton]

Though representing my "latest find," I decided to share and discuss my new DR 19 here. Should it look familiar, this particular helmet enjoys an iconic status at pickelhaubes.com through its status as masthead avatar. It catches my eye every time I visit the site, and since I was unable to persuade Brian to part with his, I had to find one of my own.

Close-up of the Oldenburg coat of arms, the inescutcheon representing the County of Oldenburg (family arms, top-left); County of Delmenhorst (family arms, top-right); Prince-Bishopric of Lübeck (principality of Eutin, bottom-left); Principality of Birkenfeld (bottom right); and Lordship of Jever (bottom central).

Given the eye-popping Wappenadler, which somehow escaped the ravages of grime, what is truly surprising about the helmet is that it represents wartime Ersatz construction - specifically, lacquered felt. As such, the finish is somewhat "alligatored," particularly at the lateral points of the Kreuzblattbasis (cruciform). The spike cone is threaded and interchangeable with a parade Trichter

The clamshell liner silk is extremely fragile.

Close-up of the charcoal gray felt crown:

The rear spine is secured to the neck peak with a Knopf displaying the size:

All in all, it's respectable specimen.

 

[Adler]

Now that's a fantastic find! It's one on my wanted list too... Congratulations!

Adler

 

[J.LeBrasseur]

Thanks for the extra pictures, again congrats!

James

 

[poniatowski]

Excellent!

Ron

 

[Liongules]

Very, very nice. Love the Wappen!

 

[reservist1]

Chas: Congratulations on a nice example of a scarce helmet. Any helmet from DR19 is very tough to locate. Since you titled this thread Oldenburg Dragoon Regiment 19 it would be a good opportunity for forum members to share any other Oldenburg dragoon helmets they may own. I can start it off with this issue example marked to the 10th Army Corps and dated 1915. The helmet was made in Berlin although the maker's name is no longer legible. The helmet is also stamped 1914 next to the maker's mark.

Reservist1

 

[Lost Skeleton]

Outstanding! R1, if I remember correctly, you also have the Trichter for this helmet.

 

[b.loree]

Excellent Chas and R1! Give me a couple of days gentlemen, and I will post some pics of my DR19 officer example for comparison. Too much sun and wind here at the moment to get decent pictures.

 

[911car]

Very nice helmets Chas and R1. Congratulations.
Here is an old model of a reserve officer helmet: short spike, old style cockades, flat central badge, "tongued" leather liner... but the reserve cross is missing.

 

[Khukri]

Absolute beauties. Thank you for the great pics !

Francis