Vulkanfiber Prussian Infantry Officer

[SkipperJohn]

Here is my latest acquisition, a Prussian Infantry Officer's Pickelhaube made of Vulkanfiber:

This helmet is not dated but it was likely manufactured in 1914 or 1915:

The Wappen is crisp and is a very thin stamping:

The liner is intact; however some of the stitching has come loose in the back:

All of the stitching on the shell is tight and untouched:

The manufacturers stamp is still in pristine condition. It was manufactured by Depaheg Patent, a common maker of fiber helmets:

The original gilding is still in wonderful condition:

All-in-all I am very pleased with this wartime example.

John

 

[Spiker]

Nice helmet John , those vulkans always stay in good shape.

 

[Adler]

Very nice one sir!

Adler

 

[Amybellars]

Very nice helmet. Congrats.
Amy Bellars

 

[aicusv]

That is a beauty. Of all material they made the helmets out of, I think the vulkanized was the best. I have a couple in my collection and their condition is excellent. There is no shrinkage or cracking, they just hold up well.

 

[J.LeBrasseur]

Very nice find John, great condition!

James

 

[Sandmann]

Congratulations, a beautiful Helmet :bravo:

 

[woznotwos]

Nice find bud

 

[b.loree]

Excellent helmet! Congratulations.

 

[edwin]

Nice find, congrats!

Regards,

Edwin

 

[kaiser]

These keep there condition great cos of the vulcan fibre

Nice find

 

[b.loree]

Yes, an early form of plastic, so immune from the effects of + or - humidity. They can be misshapen though by being subjected to “weight “ on them especially the visors. Once they are warped there is no way to fix them. At least in my experience.

 

[kaiser]

Slowly heating and pressing onto a mould could help to reshape the helmet should it be needed
Its made of some sort plastic so it can be melted

One thing for sure is i would first try it on something else than a helmet if it would needed to be done

Jonas

 

[poniatowski]

Super! I have its brother, but photos won't post.

Ron

 

[b.loree]

I tried heating with a hair dryer Jonas......failure.

 

[pickelhauben]

Forcing things never ends up good .
You should block it back to shape and let it set .

it takes years to deform but months to re-align.

 

[SkipperJohn]

Thanks for all of the nice comments.
I am very happy with this one.

John