What is it ?

K

klink

New member
Look at this : http://cgi.ebay.com/WW1-Pickelhoube-Hessen-officer-helmet-Vintage-L-K-/260807379775?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb954cb3f

This "thing" looks like an awful repro.

:evil:
 
Looks like some old repro or maybe a movie prop?

That spike base gives it away the most I think (looks fake+wrong rivets for an officer model) not to mention the stitching on the edges of the back visor/neck guard... But hey, the seller does say it's a 'pickelhoube' :)
 
Guys, I'm just not seeing what you are- it appears to be a correct officer's helmet with the m-15 spike mount...Most officers from this state did not wear stars, but studs like this...
 
This is indeed a correct hessian officer helmet, as stated by Arran. Ron, at the exception of JR115, hessian officer helmets did not have stars to affix the spike base, but just EM-style studs.
Unfortunately, the detachable hessian officer spike will not be extremely easy to find...
Bruno
 
Bruno, Arran, what about the stitching on the neck guard edges in one of the closeups? Did you notice it? I'm not talking about the regular stitching attaching the visor to the shell but rather that thread line on the edges/trim... I don't think that's correct, is it?
 
As this is an Offz helmet: a private purchase helmet;
So I suppose some variations in stitchings might well be possible, regarding different makers.

Issued helmets would be made according the sharp regulations of the 'Proben'; the samples.

Rgds,
Francis
 
Hi Ron, the stitching you noticed on the neckguard is also commonly seen on officer helmets. And note the convex chinscales, which are correct on hessian infantry officer helmets.
 
I really don't like the bayonet-style lug of the spike base.
It's not an EM/NCO style and not an officer style either, so what is it ?.

Is it a particular "officer style" helmet for rich NCO ?.

I don't like the reversed cockades too...

:?
 
Ron, that neck peak "stitching" is the welt that keeps the distinctive red paper panel in situ. It will be found on all helmets with colored paper panels.

I concur with Arran and Bruno. The helmet is a perfectly legitimate Hessen officer helmet with M1915 Officer Kreuzblattbasis (spike base) and reversed Kokarden (easily fixed). This Hessen of mine has the same "bayonet" spike mount. However, the spike has rusted to the mount (lucky for me, otherwise, it would probably be minus the spike like the eBay helmet).

hessen.jpg


For further information on the M1915 officer helmet:

http://www.pickelhaubes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2509

http://www.pickelhaubes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3805

http://www.pickelhaubes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3307
 
Nice picture Chas!
I stand corrected as always. One of the many learning advantages on this Forum.
 
Ron, you make great observations and ask all the right questions. :thumb up: Certainly, there are few absolutes in this hobby, and a measure of healthy skepticism is both appropriate and necessary.

There seems to be no end of junk on eBay, and separating the wheat from the chaff often requires many sets of eyes.

Chas
 
I also like looking at the background in shots like these. I wonder about the 'thumb tacked' art work on the wall and like some other aspects of the decor... ;)

Really though, if a spike for this helmet ever came up for auction, I'd be willing to bet that it would go for more than this helmet will in this auction.

Ron, those were good questions and feel free to ask them. :)


:D Ron
 
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