The U and markings

joerookery

joerookery

Well-known member
I was sent this helmet picture and thought I would give you my take on it. What are your thoughts?

You have a really really good one there. No wonder you could not solve it I think it is the only exact example of this that I have seen. I have seen several U markings and have been able to develop a theory but it is just that a theory.

What you seem to have is a newer helmet with an older visor. That was very normal as the Germans tended to be frugal and the BIA often did this. Given that, I believe you have two different dates and markings. The 1897 was probably the original issue date. The number fifty-five indicates the size of the helmet. The II was the original garniture mark
As the helmet aged it was downgraded to level III. You can see how that was scratched in. the number six that is to the left of the mark of III certainly looks like sixth company. The wear out date would have been around 1907.


Then we get to the new markings. Not only were helmets issued back into the system by the repair facilities with a BIA mark there are other marks used on release that cause confusion. The most common of these is the letter F. The letter is found on many BIA marks as well as BKA marks. it is found both in the capital letter F and the smaller letter f. This was an inspection mark that followed a shorthand wartime garniture system. Because many of the wartime helmets were released from the BIA with repairs this marking is often confused with "repaired". However, they were also inspected and released from the BKA. The letter in small or capital spelling means "felddienstbrauchbar" or field/war serviceable. The lower-level garniture inspection resulted in code "G" meaning "garnisonsdienstbrauchbar" or garrison / home serviceable only. This marking was often used for obsolete helmet types. This mark was far from universally used. As you as you will reallyThis was a wartime expedient. This replaced the garniture system with just two grades – either F or G.


I believe that the U is a third kind of garniture. I think it is lower still than G and used only for practice or rehearsals “Ubung”. This makes a lot of sense but unlike F and G it was not widely used. Only in a few regiments. The only really surprising thing is that it is stamped in rather than painted which gives the impression that it was done pretty early in the war.


I would like to post your example on my lists and articles. I have your full name so I can give you credit but I would like to use the pictures. I will also put them on the forum to get other opinions. As I was the one that developed the F and G analysis I think I am on pretty firm ground.

In addition I would like to get a photograph of the front visor that has Holeman marked on it – that also seems a little bit different. In addition, could I see a clear picture of the tag? This is probably the name and regimens of the individual who wore the helmet in the latter time. it would be interesting to know if that was before or after the visor was attached. Have you read this?http://www.pickelhauben.net/articles/DepotMarks_5_09.html
Click to expand...

shelia1.jpg

shelia2.jpg

shelia3.jpg
 
I think YOU know much more about this than I do Joe and what you've written sounds logical (of course, the "US" for UnterOffizier Schule (sp??) marking stumped me). The plate sure doesn't seem to fit the helmet well. It would be interesting to see more photos.

:D Ron
 
1. with the Umlaut.

I think "Übungs Gebrauch".

2.could the last I in III be branded ?

3. What is the marking above the K(ompanie)?

Great to "read" a Haubes life this way.
Francis
 
The latest on this helmet.

It is older than I originally thought. Perhaps I was blinded by the high shine but if you look at this picture there is no air vent.

Shelia4.jpg


In addition, there are a series of rectangular boxes that had markings that are no longer legible. This one is crossed out which is the normal method for helmets that were reassigned.

Shelia5.jpg


Francis,

You are right on number one, could be on number two, I think it is an original garniture mark.

There is something wrong with my email to you – it keeps looking for Janet's outbox.



As an unsolicited plug this helmet is owned by a woman named Sheila. She intends to sell this on eBay. Before she listed it she has tried to answer everything she can so that she can be honest and correct. She is quick, courteous, does her homework. Considering all the questions I get, dealing with her has been refreshing. She has also allowed us to use these pictures!
 
So Übungs Gebrauch would mean that it was only for 'exercise use', if my German is correct. That would match up with the "III" correct?

Joe, I see what you mean about the shine, the helmet looks much better from the rear where a flash wasn't used and I would imagine that my doubts about the plate would be nulled out as well.

:D Ron
 
Apparently there was paint on the plate and the owner decided to remove it by shining it. She really shined it.

I don't think the III and the U are necessarily related. I think the III is older than the U.
 
Just for comparison here is another U on a railroad regimental marking.

er2.jpg


Several years ago Remy brought me to a Prussian infantry helmet that had the U and the number six on it. This was at Sos.

the helmet was good. But we could not figure out why it was marked to an Ulan unit.
 
joerookery said:
Just for comparison here is another U on a railroad regimental marking.

er2.jpg


Several years ago Remy brought me to a Prussian infantry helmet that had the U and the number six on it. This was at Sos.

the helmet was good. But we could not figure out why it was marked to an Ulan unit.
Click to expand...

No Umlaut on that 'U', would that matter? ... sorry if I sound like a moron, this is all new in my book.

:D Ron
 
Enjoyed the discussion and analysis. Helmet markings are a very interesting form of mental exercise!
 
Unbrauchbar.....Not for further use....Some even had the E(Eigentum); V or the word Verkauft: sold. I saw this in Uniformes HS Nr 31 magazine.
Francis
 
Hi Gents,

ÜG: I think this means Übung in der Garnison (only for exercising in the garrison)

Philippe
 
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