Saxon Beamte identification help

[oldshore]

Hello Everyone,

I have a WWI-era helmet that I am trying to identify. It has been in my possession for years and I have attempted to ID it with no luck. FInally yesterday it was pointing out to me that it is a Saxon Beamte helmet, probably 1895-97 issue. That opened up my ability to at least get closer to a full ID on this helmet. However, I am still unable to get an exact match to my helmet online anywhere.

It seems to have some strange characteristics and I was hoping that those of you on this expert forum could assist me in determining its age, unit affiliation, rank, etc.

It appears to have an officer's tall spike with a cross shaped mount, non-vented back spine, a remnant of a label and 57 1/2 written inside, an almost mint condition leather & silk liner, and an odd combination of a silver star with a gilt Saxon beamte crest mounted on it, in addition there is a third hole behind the front crest and no other markings present, so I assume it to be a private purchase helmet.

Any assistance that you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Oldshore

 

[b.loree]

The typical Beamte officer helme has the following characteristics according to my reference article. I can not provide the title of this source because it is a photo copied chapter on the Beamte from a German reference sent to me years ago by a prominent collector/dealer... RT. Anyway, here are the characteristics of Beamte from all states: squared front visor trim, smooth spike on a cruciform base, trim colour either silver or brass based on colour of uniform buttons. Front plate could be silver as in this case with small brass Saxon coat of arms or the opposite. Chin scales should be convex (rounded). There are a multitude of Beamte with rank distinctions for each type for example: 1st Engineer Inspector of the Bavarian Technical Institute, Saxon Military Intendant, Army Music Inspector, Hospital Inspector, Pharmacy etc etc. There were also NCOs and OR's in all these organizations.The only way to tell their particular Inspectorate or group would be from the uniforms and shoulder straps. My guess on this Haube is Saxon Beamte Senior NCO, private purchase, this does not have the officer pearl ring or stars.

 

[J.LeBrasseur]

Here is a shot of mine, Saxon Medical Administrative (Beamte) Officer to Parade

see the difference in spike base etc.?

James

 

[oldshore]

Thanks so much for the detailed information. I am just beginning to learn about my helmet and the many variations of the beamte with your assistance. Very much appreciated.

 

[Glennj]

chaps,

the helmet does not appear to conform to any Saxon regulation pattern for a military official. Firstly, as Brian pointed out, officials' helmets generally had a square front peak and cruciform base, although the Saxon officials had a round peak and circular spike base. In fact, I can't think of any Saxon military leather helmet with a cruciform spike base. The point about a Senior NCOs' helmet, I believe could not hold true. Specifically, those Unterinspektoren in the various administrative branches were still in the rank class of soldiers before promotion to definitive official rank and consequently did not wear additional Beamten specific insignia to include helmet and cap devices. Those officials holding Unterbeamten rank where entitled to wear the helmet wore instead of the small coat of arms shown in these two examples a small shield (per Saxon War Ministry Order Nr. 2112 I. A. of 27 August 1905).

The 1904 regulations did not provide for an helmet for the Wafenmeister, Büchsenmacher and Zeughausbüchsenmacher. However one was introduced in April 1907 which was an infantry pattern with circular spike base and round peak. Again a small shield was worn instead of the small official device.

James, I am intrigued about the black Haarbusch on your Lazarettbeamten helmet. The regulations provided for the wearing of a plume on only the helmets of the most senior officials of the Intendance branch, that is, on a Generals' pattern helmet for those officials wearing the rank insignia of a Generalmajor of white vulture feathers.

Regards
Glenn

 

[joerookery]

Glenn,

The spike base looks to the police oriented. Given the Saxon and civil-service stuff could that be a possibility?

 

[Glennj]

Joe,

I believe for the most part, the Saxon police wore a shako although the Saxon Schutzmannschaft did wear a leather helmet with a cruciform spike base but with silver fittings. I think the closest match is that of a Saxon customs (Zoll) helmet either converted for military official use or altered later. The Zoll helmet had gold fittings, round peak and a cruciform spike base. See photo below.

Regards
Glenn

 

[oldshore]

Thanks so much to everyone for your thought provoking input as I get closer to a full ID of my helmet. Maybe a customs official would have worn such a configuration of spike base and insignia.