From this interesting thread, I find this a remarkable image, as Billy Wilder is wearing an M1842 Kürassier Metalhelm, with a modified Wappen to the 1860 regulations. Then there are the four Oscars behind him which is remarkable. I wonder where that helmet is now?
On 10 May 1860 a Bandeau was introduced for the eagle Wappen with the motto "MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND" (With God For King And Fatherland) to be placed above the "FR" or "FWR" cypher. Reserve and Landwehr did not adopt the new Bandeau.
Older 1842 pattern eagle Wappen that were void of the Bandeau, were modified by having a Bandeau soldered to the front to make the older eagle Wappens comply with the regulations.
Billy Wilder's example shows a M1842 eagle Wappen converted to M1860 with the addition of a Bandeau as on my M1842/60 Wappen.
So my point is, there are a lot of M1842/57 etc. helmets out there with modified Wappen and more interesting, M1871 Wappens, mostly on officer helmets. Some members own examples. So it might have been common for officers to use older helmets for many years after newer models came along.
On 10 May 1860 a Bandeau was introduced for the eagle Wappen with the motto "MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND" (With God For King And Fatherland) to be placed above the "FR" or "FWR" cypher. Reserve and Landwehr did not adopt the new Bandeau.
Older 1842 pattern eagle Wappen that were void of the Bandeau, were modified by having a Bandeau soldered to the front to make the older eagle Wappens comply with the regulations.
Billy Wilder's example shows a M1842 eagle Wappen converted to M1860 with the addition of a Bandeau as on my M1842/60 Wappen.
So my point is, there are a lot of M1842/57 etc. helmets out there with modified Wappen and more interesting, M1871 Wappens, mostly on officer helmets. Some members own examples. So it might have been common for officers to use older helmets for many years after newer models came along.