Train enigma

9

911car

Well-known member
Just found this. If the expressions “out of the woodwork” or “untouched original” ever meant something…
An upgraded older model: high-domed shell, heavy construction, thick leather, only two vent holes in the spike, no metal eyelets in the holes under the plate. It is dated 1903, the year when the Hessian Train adopted the spike helmet after wearing shakos. Now comes the oddity: the helmet is stamped TB25. In 1890, the Hessian Train battalion was named TB25, after the number of the Hessian division. The XVIIIth Army Corps was created in 1899, and in 1901 the Hessian Train Battalion was renumbered TB18, after the Army Corps it then belonged to. This is all well explained by JL Larcade. Why is this very helmet stamped TB25? Either they wore spike helmets before the change in numbers, but this does not fit with the 1903 date, or they went on with the previous numbering. Larcade also mentions that Train units used to follow reglementation quite losely…
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Bruno,

But did you not find another great enigma! I just read something about this but I'll be darned if I can remember where I read it at. Let me do some research here–not an easy one.

As usual I would ask permission to use your marks on the list.
 
Hi Joe,
I agree this may sound like far-fetched erudition, but I would be happy to hear something from you about this little mystery.
And of course, please feel free to use the stamp for your catalogue! This is a rare one...
Bruno
 
What a beauty. Congratulations. Bruno do you recall my Hessen that was used by DR23, then LIR118, then a line regt?

http://pickelhaubes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2582

This would drive most collectors mad.

Possibly, Larcade made an error with date that TB25 became TB18. Like other small contingents clinging to individuality, they may have been TB18 on the Preußen order of battle, but to the Hessans perhaps they were still TB25?

Or as you said, perhaps the Hessens adopted the Pickelhaube prior to everyone else for Train Battalions.

I am afraid you may never find out.

But....

Who cares? WHAT a GREAT helmet!
 
Possibly, Larcade made an error with date that TB25 became TB18
Click to expand...

I believe Larcade is correct in the date he lists for the name change of TB 25 to TB 18. In looking through Rang lists I have, the 1900 edition, dated 7 May 1900, lists the unit as Train Bn. 25. The 1902 Rang list, dated 1 June 1902, lists the unit as Train Bn. 18

This does nothing to explain the TB25 marking and 1903 date, but like Tony says "who cares" it is a superb issue helmet.

Reservist1
 
Thank you all for your nice and helpful comments!
Tony, I did not remember your all-terrain Hessian helmet. I looked it up; it is amazingly similar to the one I just found: same shape, same thick leather, even the same special nuts to affix the metal counter-plate inside the shell. There are several stamps I cannot make out on mine, hence maybe it has also seen other affectations...
Bruno
 
Bruno,

Certainly nothing concrete yet. I have no problem with the dates in the reference. I think Tony hit the right note when he said “you may never know”. I really wish I could read the rest of the markings–and that one on the far right–2G???.

Clearly this leather has been around but goodness this is a good enigma–it is a very nice helmet but I do care as these brainteasers are so much fun. I blame Robert all the time for being Bavarian, but we have not come close to unlocking the secrets of Hesse. Thanks for posting this.
 
Congratulations Bruno, that is a sweet helmet. We will probably never know about the marking issue but like the other guys said....no sweat who cares.
 
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