Steve Nick
Well-known member
This helmet is a companion piece to the “Colberg Grenadiers” helmet I posted a few days ago. This is not a restoration job. This one is all original with the exception of the chinstrap.
West Prussian Grenadier Regiment "Graf Kleist von Nollendorf" Nr.6. The regiment was raised on October, 14, 1772 and was garrisoned at Posen. It was part of the 5th Corps District, 10th Division.
The helmet is marked inside the shell dome to “B.A.V, 1912” Bekleidungsampt –5th Army Corps,issued in 1912
“2B” 2nd Battalion
“55” size
It is maker stamped “Franz Cobau – Berlin.”
On March 22, 1897 Kaiser Wilhelm II authorized the introduction of a new front plate (Wappen) very similar to the Gardes Eagle front plate for the 7th Prussian Line Grenadier Regiment (2nd West Prussian) replacing the previous pattern which was essentially a Prussian Line Eagle with an intertwined FWR cypher.
The new Garde style Grenadier plate was phased into the remaining eleven Prussian Grenadier Regiments over the next 18 years. The 6th Regiment received authorization to wear the new Grenadier plate on August 26, 1913.
Given that this helmet was issued in 1912 it must have briefly worn the old-style front plate until 1913.
It has a chinstrap with wartime steel fittings. It’s the strap that came with the helmet and is awaiting a period proper brass fitted strap.
West Prussian Grenadier Regiment "Graf Kleist von Nollendorf" Nr.6. The regiment was raised on October, 14, 1772 and was garrisoned at Posen. It was part of the 5th Corps District, 10th Division.
The helmet is marked inside the shell dome to “B.A.V, 1912” Bekleidungsampt –5th Army Corps,issued in 1912
“2B” 2nd Battalion
“55” size
It is maker stamped “Franz Cobau – Berlin.”
On March 22, 1897 Kaiser Wilhelm II authorized the introduction of a new front plate (Wappen) very similar to the Gardes Eagle front plate for the 7th Prussian Line Grenadier Regiment (2nd West Prussian) replacing the previous pattern which was essentially a Prussian Line Eagle with an intertwined FWR cypher.
The new Garde style Grenadier plate was phased into the remaining eleven Prussian Grenadier Regiments over the next 18 years. The 6th Regiment received authorization to wear the new Grenadier plate on August 26, 1913.
Given that this helmet was issued in 1912 it must have briefly worn the old-style front plate until 1913.
It has a chinstrap with wartime steel fittings. It’s the strap that came with the helmet and is awaiting a period proper brass fitted strap.