Preußische Versuchshelm Model 1905/06...?

[Paranoid_Womb]

Hi guys,

I've picked up an unused postcard showing men of the 4th company of the Landwehr-Jnfanterie-Regiment Nr. 83 (Cassel), it is dated 1915.

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I believe that most helmets are either leather M95 Mannschaften Pickelhaubes or Ersatz M95s in felt.
However, there are some other examples on scene also.

Tree helmets with a felt body and a leather visor can be seen. Could these be the Preußische Versuchshelm Model 1905/06...? Or is it more likely for these to be repaired felt examples?
Also, on the far right (back row), there's another helmet. Could this be a ersatz M95 with field-grey Wappen and sheet steel body?

Your opinions would be welcome.

 

[RON]

Nice crisp photo! You can clearly see the Landwehr/reserve cross on the left seated NCO's Prussian cockade...

 

[Paranoid_Womb]

The plaque seems to say L.J.R 83, so I guess the 83th Landwehr Infantry Regiment. The reserve cross is a bit strange though, I didn't know they used it also (on their caps). Maybe he's wearing his old cap?

 

[joerookery]

I think you are mostly right with the Versuchshelme. what is not really known is if these are relatively new construction or older helmets from 1905 that were taken out of the closet. As you are aware, the key visual point is the leather front visor. So in your box on the left, that guy on the far left of the box has a normal filtz helmet that is made of all felt. But the guy outside of the box one person to the right seems to have the Versuchshelme.
Naming the steel helmets in English has always been a bit testy. This one is considered a steel helmet. There are other ones that are black, have a very thin sheet covering that is also steel that has always been known as “Tin".

 

[Paranoid_Womb]

Thanks for your opinion Joe. Good news.

 

[edwin]

Nice photo and thanks for sharing. It makes me wonder whether these poor old chaps were actually sent to the front for active duty :-k

Regards,

Edwin

 

[Paranoid_Womb]

Ok lads, I'm going to need you help again. I've picked up some more possible Preußische Versuchshelme Model 1905/06, but I need some more experienced people to be sure they are not repairs. Dated 1915.

 

[joerookery]

I don't think there's any way of telling from the outside. This was 1915. In the training base. I think the two most logical possibilities are all 1905 types taken from a depot supply source or perhaps new construction. The quote below is a translation of a letter to the war ministry in Munich. In it it clearly shows that different BKA accepted different models in 1914 to fill the sudden need. This vendor was offering 6000. This was just a drop in the bucket so it is very possible that one of the BKA took a leather visor.

Regarding Mr. Strauss’s visit on Sunday evening, I am sending you per express mail a packet with a sample of the spike helmet we are offering and kindly request that you note the following:
This helmet, as you can see, comparing with the second model sample we sent you, can also be made with front visor trim, however I would like to bring it to your attention that some of the Clothing Issue Depots (Bekleidungsamter) rejected this visor trim because it easily becomes loose, while other Clothing Issue Depots required the front visor trim. The rear spine stiffener has been unanimously rejected because it proved to be impractical.
The price of a helmet with front visor trim is 25 Pfennig more, so with the front trim the wool felt helmet costs 9.75 Marks for an infantry and 10 Marks for an artillery helmet.
I can still produce 6000 of these helmets in December.