Prussian Inf. EM M1895 Pickelhaube

RON

RON

Well-known member
Happy Easter all; hope you've had a relaxing weekend so far... (we're off today as well in my part of the world :D )
What do you think of this one? The cockades are wrong which would probably mean the same for the chinstrap... but what about those markings, are they OK? And that wappen, isn't it a bit too frosty compared to the rest of the brass fittings?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/German-Imperial-Prussian-Military-Pickelhaube-Spike-Helmet-Cap-Hat-/170821386809?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c5bf8239" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
Looks like a beauty to me. The cockades are either repro or repainted. The chinstrap has a pretty good shot at being original. I have seen repro chinstraps that are virtually indistinguishable from originals. They came out of Czechoslovakia 15 years or so ago, made with old leather. I can only imagine how they look now, after some more natural aging. The wappen still has its original gilding. No, its not the mercury gilding used on officers helmets, but some kind of less expensive flash process. I've only seen it used on the wappen, never on the other fittings. Always a good sign to see it, means it hasn't been polished off. I've often wondered if all enlisted helmets originally had this finish or not. The interior and markings on this helmet look superb. If I didn't already have a helmet just like it I would be after this one.
Steve
 
Hey Steve,
I guess I'm like you: I only want one good M1895 since I (try to) focus on wartime M15s however the argument in favor of this one is that it was actually used during the war-to-end-all-wars from 1914 to 1915!!
Anyway, back to details on this one: The cockades are not only wrong because of the paint--which looks wrong--but also the 'serrations' typical of the Saxon version.
 
Cockades are ugly fakes and the chinstrap probably too. IR150 matches the plate. This regiment was formed in 1897 in Allenstein, which is nowadays called Olsztyn and is located in northeastern Poland. IR50 was part of XX armeekorps. Furthermore, A. Wunderlich is a known manufacturer of helmets (see also http://www.pickelhauben.net/articles/Helmet_Makers.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). The only thing that confuses me is, RJR4.1B, the other stamp. However, I have seen many helmets that have multiple stamps in the rear visor. It seems a good helmet to me and its fairly easy to find authentic cockades as well as a corresponding chinstrap.

Regards,

Edwin
 
Trashy cockades wouldn't hold me back for an instant bidding on this one. yeah, they're not right for Saxon types either due to the way the outer ring angles toward the helmet (instead of being flat).

:D Ron
 
A very fine helmet that we have there, except both cockades. Chinstrap looks good to me.
Beautiful EM gilt plate, not very common to find in this original quality after 100 years.
I have a similar one:
http://www.pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4995" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Philippe :salute:
 
Nice helmet Philippe! I have a couple myself... kinda' the standard helmet for this type and one of my favorites. :)

:D Ron
 
With the exception of the cockades this is one nice looking basic infantry helmet pre 1915. The chinstrap looks good to me and if it wasn't original then I have no idea what original means anymore. Great example!
 
Sold for $1,125.00 ONLY!!! :-P

I guess some collectors badly wanted this one despite the fake cockades, a missing base rivet, and a questionable chinstrap (although I agree chances are the latter is OK)...

Too much (in my very very very humble opinion) for such a common/pre-war helmet which would still require at least a pair of original cockades ($100-$150) and a rivet ($??).
 
RON said:
Sold for $1,125.00 ONLY!!! :-P

I guess some collectors badly wanted this one despite the fake cockades, a missing base rivet, and a questionable chinstrap (although I agree chances are the latter is OK)...

Too much (in my very very very humble opinion) for such a common/pre-war helmet which would still require at least a pair of original cockades ($100-$150) and a rivet ($??).
Click to expand...

The first one of these I ever saw for sale was $20. Would've been a nice investment! :)

:D Ron
 
Condition, condition, condition. Overpriced, but as I've said before: if you want the best you have to step up to the plate. Someone decided he wanted the best.
Steve
 
RON said:
Sold for $1,125.00 ONLY!!! :-P

I guess some collectors badly wanted this one despite the fake cockades, a missing base rivet, and a questionable chinstrap (although I agree chances are the latter is OK)...

Too much (in my very very very humble opinion) for such a common/pre-war helmet which would still require at least a pair of original cockades ($100-$150) and a rivet ($??).
Click to expand...

It seems that the prices of ww1 militaria are rapidly increasing with the approaching centenary of the great war. I agree that $1,125.00 is too much for this helmet in its current condition.

Regards,

Edwin
 
This was a nice issued helmet overall indeed but still overpriced for several reasons, namely:
- M1895: There were far more of these produced than their short-lived M1915/wartime counterparts and I've recently bought full-option M15's in near mint condition for this amount and less.
- Missing Cockades: Not cheap to find an original pair unless you'd have a spare one but then again the purchase cost (or current value) would also need to be computed to total price.
- Missing Rivet: Probably hard to find and could be relatively expensive too.

Anyway, as everyone agrees, final price depends on how badly one would want an item in particular...
 
In that case regent stamp means a lot. That was Ostpreussen regiment and they are rare. I am looking for IR150 Pickelhaubes for years... still dont find any.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top