Translation of a paper tag found in a picklehaube

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Dave Zeller

New member
This is my first post so forgive me if it isn't quite up to the standards of this fine group. Inside a Prussian Line picklehaube (private purchase) was found the following paper tag. Can anyone translate?
OEKONOMIE
Kunstinstitut
fuer galvanische Eineuerung
Inh. E Lazarus
Berlin C. a.d. Spandauer .. 4-5
Kopfweite 53 1/2
Com. No. 3398B
Thank you for any help you can provide.
 
Dave,

Welcome to posting! Your question is quite good and I don't think this group has much in the way of standards that are to be worried about. Simple and basic questions are sometimes the best -- we all need to think about the answers. Most collectors thrive on great questions --
Oekonomie.jpg

I bet your tag looks a little bit like this. We have a collection of maker's Marks at
http://www.pickelhauben.net/articles/Helmet_Makers.htm
This is an interesting tag for a couple reasons. It is not clear to me whether this was a retailer or a company that "refinished" helmets.
The company name says Art Institute. It also says that the company does "galvanische" restoration.

Does that mean that they actually use that method? On what? The Wappen? All of the metal? Is that another way of saying fire gilded? Lots of questions here.
Inh= the owner
Kopfweite= helmet size

I hope this helps and post a whole lot more!
 
Good question and description . My standards are low so feel good about asking anything. Joe is right most of have to think about our answers .
Mark
P.S. welcome
 
I told Dave that I thought it may have been a museum property tag, not necessarily a manufacturer's tag. The first line is "ECONOMICS" which makes it even more confusing. Unless I am translating it wrong, and it means "economical" or something like that. Perhaps the "Maaco" of helmet buffers?

Dave is on a journey of discovery as he buys his first officer's parade helmet, I suggested he come here to make sure his first experience is a good one. Dave, ask questions before you buy.
 
I think in this case the name should be translated as, "Oekonomie tradecrafts intitute". Oekonomie is just the name and I think it is supposed to convey the same meaning as when it is used in the term Ökonomie-Handwerker, which is normally translated as (regimental) tradesman. Again, the name is supposed to convey the impression of an artisan's workplace.

So I think perhaps, this tag was added to this helmet upon completion of it being refurbished.

Chip
 
I appreciate all your replies. Thank you, Joe, for a warm welcome as well. It would be interesting to compare notes on helmets found with this tag. This helmet will be on its way shortly. When it gets here, I will photograph the label and post it. The gentleman acquired this helmet from a Berlin antique store in '63 or '64 when he was stationed there and has owned it ever since. I tend to think that the label is associated with a restoration. The helmet (and particularly the liner) is in really great condition.
 
Hello Dave:

Welcome! I can provide you with additional information regarding the Oekonomie label above since I once owned the helmet, a Baden Dragoner Pickelhaube.

PICT0001-1.jpg


The helmet was in fairly rough shape and was missing its liner silk. After I traded it to Dave Mosher, I learned, among other things, the helmet had been spray painted with black enamel in an attempt to "enhance" its appearance. There was nothing about the Dragoner to suggest it had ever been honestly or expertly restored.

I believe Chip is on the right track and that the label suggests E. Lazarus was engaged in electroplating. The spike on the Dragoner was brass with traces of silver plate. Perhaps Lazarus clientele simply consigned their helmets for a bit of TLC as required, and the label is one half of a claim check.

Below is the uncropped picture of the label (and an anachronistic hex nut helping to secure the cruciform).

PICT0009.jpg


I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your helmet; it sounds splendid.

Regards,

Chas.
 
oek(2).jpg

ok.jpg


David sent these pictures while I was gone. It is a little bit better scan.
1. The address has changed.
2. There is what appears to be a quality-control mark -- ok
3. On both examples there is some sort of washer/grommet under the nut. This is not common to all private purchase helmets.
 
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