Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The distinctive Bayern (Bavaria) Raupenhelme (Caterpillar helmet) can be traced back to 1800 when the "Kasket Muster 1800" was introduced. The Raupenhelme had a leather body with a large wool or hair comb on the top and was worn by all ranks from 1800 to 1886 undergoing numerous modifications. After that, Bavaria fell into line with the rest of the German Empire, and adopted its own version of the pickelhaube. This fine example of a Raupenhelme is a cavalry version, and bears the Royal Monogram of King Ludwig II.
King LUDWIG II of Bavaria, born 1845, was the son of King Maximilian II and Prussian Princess Marie. He was ignored by his parents and left to his own fantasies. In 1865 he became King but within two years Bavaria was taken over by the Prussians and he remained as King in name only. He is considered to have been quite mad and built extraordinary castles throughout his realm, including NEUSCHWANSTEIN, the model for the castle at DISNEY WORLD. He died under strange circumstances just two weeks after having been deposed as King for reasons of insanity. He was followed by King Otto, who was himself never in power due to alleged mental illness. His uncle Prince Regent Luitpold ruled in his stead.
Here we have a King Ludwig II Cavalry Helmet of black leather with gilt brass fittings. The helmet comes with it's full beige officer-style Silk liner and butterscotch-leather headband. It still has the lovely black wool "Caterpillar" type wool comb on top, unique to the Raupenhelme, though it does have some repairs and missing fur. The leather chin strap is in good shape, and clips to two Lion's Head fittings on the side. The top of the helmet retains the adjustable vent holes, though they are currently frozen from age.
Inside the sweatband there is an embroidered red R, and the left side of the helmet still has the original Bavarian blue Kokarde, as well as a green hackle plume, which is currently loose in the socket.
In service for just 20 years, this helmet is in truly excellent condition and is ready to display!
Dimensions:
Overall length: 10”
Overall width: 8”
Height: 9”
Circumference: 21”
Weight: 1lb. 1 oz.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
