Salty M15 Baden JR 111

[Luigi44]

Hello all, I recently just joined this forum because I’ve been looking to find militaria related to my great grandfathers service in WW1. He was in the US Army 27th Division 108th Infantry Regiment. During my research I was lucky enough to find the German regiments he fought against. One of them being the 111th at Vierstraat Ridge, Belgium August 31st to September 2nd 1918. Which leads me to this Pickelhaube I picked up from Amy Bellars who was kind enough to reach out to me when I posted my “wanted” add a couple weeks ago. I was looking for a Pickelhaube from a unit my great grandfather fought against and purchased this one from her.

Although this might not have been at that specific battle due to the fact it is marked “1915” I still think it is a cool item to have, having it been marked by a regiment my great grandfather fought against. I’m new to pickelhaubes so if anyone could give me guidance on how to preserve these so the leather doesn’t get any more bent out of shape or distorted that would be amazing. And also should I somehow remove the surface rust from the front plate or leave it there? If I should remove it WHATS the safest method?

Thanks guys I hope you enjoy!

 

[Luigi44]

More pictures

 

[Amybellars]

Guys I sold the JR111 to Luke.
the Griffin was like that when I got it years ago.

Luke would like to remove the light rust,(oxidation) on the Griffin. I have no idea how to do that.

Anyone with advice??

Thank you

 

[Lars13]

Hi Luke,
Nice helmet, and interesting to see that IR 111 continued their pre-war practice of using white paint for their unit marking.
Regards, Lars

 

[USN]

Your best bet as far as keeping the leather in good shape would be to get yourself a good helmet stand that comes with a hat stretcher so it keeps the skull portion in good shape and also keeps it off of its visors and then get something relatively sturdy to put ontop of the hat stretcher to keep the top of the helmet from sinking in on itself which is an occasional issue with pickelhauben. I got my stand from skipper greenwade woodworking. He does good work for a decent price and you can have it customized to a point. I also use something called chamberlands leather milk on all my leather products to revitalize them and keep them in good shape. Hope this helps!

 

[AssiaR117]

Nice stamps

 

[AssiaR117]

Nice stamps

 

[Luigi44]

Your best bet as far as keeping the leather in good shape would be to get yourself a good helmet stand that comes with a hat stretcher so it keeps the skull portion in good shape and also keeps it off of its visors and then get something relatively sturdy to put ontop of the hat stretcher to keep the top of the helmet from sinking in on itself which is an occasional issue with pickelhauben. I got my stand from skipper greenwade woodworking. He does good work for a decent price and you can have it customized to a point. I also use something called chamberlands leather milk on all my leather products to revitalize them and keep them in good shape. Hope this helps!

Thank you! I’ll look into that.

 

[JohnM]

Luigi,

It is wonderful that you are researching and honoring your great grandfathers service to the USA. That helmet is an excellent start!

Honestly, I don't think there is much you can do to remove the rust without damaging what remains of the original feldgrau finish. If it were my helmet, I would keep it out of high humidity, and leave the rust on. It's a veteran and in my opinion, has the won the right to look like it's been through hell.

You can always hunt for a mint condition one, after all that's part of the fun of collecting pickelhaubers.

John

 

[aicusv]

Check out rust removal using electrolyzing. There are a couple of good DIY videos on YouTube. II didn't believe that would hurt the finish.

 

[Luigi44]

Luigi,

It is wonderful that you are researching and honoring your great grandfathers service to the USA. That helmet is an excellent start!

Honestly, I don't think there is much you can do to remove the rust without damaging what remains of the original feldgrau finish. If it were my helmet, I would keep it out of high humidity, and leave the rust on. It's a veteran and in my opinion, has the won the right to look like it's been through hell.

You can always hunt for a mint condition one, after all that's part of the fun of collecting pickelhaubers.

John

Thank you John, Wasn’t sure of the affects this rust would have over the years. I’m very new to the Pickelhaube field. I appreciate your input thank you for the reply! It does look like it’s seen some action!

 

[ottodog8]

Over the years I’ve seen a fair amount of material from the 111th, the doughboys must have overrun them. I have a German gas mask I picked up at a yard sale named and unit marked to the 111th on one of the straps.

Steve

 

[aicusv]

I have a shoulder strap in my collection from a unit that matches shoulder straps that a few other collectors in my area have. I checked out the unit's history and found that an complete battalion was captured by local out fit in 1918.