Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition, smart-looking officer pickelhaube from a Prussian Artillery Regiment, which was most likely used during World War One. On this version of the Pickelhaube, a ball representing a cannon ball replaced the usual spike, leading this to be referred to as an Artillerie Kugelhelm (Artillery Ball-Top Helm). The M1895 was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of pickelhaube helmets.

The Pickelhaube of commissioned officers holding a rank from Lieutenant to Colonel are all identical in features, but not quality. The quality of helmets within these ranks depended entirely on how much the individual wished to spend. A lowly Lieutenant's helmet may be of much higher quality than one worn by a Colonel. As expected, officer helmets were of a much higher quality than the issued version and utilized the "squared finger" liners until 1880, when the internal leather sweatband and silk skull-cap came into use. The helmet retains the correct all brass alloy fittings, and the "ball top" can still unscrew for the addition of a plume if desired.

Regardless of the unit, officer Pickelhaube share common features such as: the undersides of visors are lined, Officer Kokarden are carried, and the "egg & dart" Perlring was matched with star-pattern spike base brads, and chinscales were worn. The officer's Pickelhaube was basically unchanged from 1871 to 1899 when it had a more domed shape, and from 1899 to the end it had more of a skull shape. Otherwise, with the exception of the addition of the Reich's Kokarde in 1897, the officer's Haube was mostly the same from 1871 to 1918. As with most pickelhauben, they are made from boiled leather, which is then lacquered black.

The overall condition of this officer's pickelhaube is very good. All of the helmet's furniture is highly-detailed gilt aluminum bronze alloy, and the gilding is still mostly present and bright. The Prussian wappen (coat of arms) features a large eagle with the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). It is retained by the correct washers and square nuts, which match those attaching the spike base to the top. The wappen has definitely been on the helmet undisturbed for a very long time, and has sunken in to the finish on the helmet.

The curved artillery chin scales are in good condition, solid and functional with full leather behind them and large split pin attachment present. Both kokarden (cockades) are present, however they are of the enlisted variety, but do look to be period. In 1897 a new Reichs-Kokarde in Red-White-Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reichs-Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the helmet, and the state Kokarde was moved to the left. Both cockades are present on this helmet, and they are in very good condition, with the paint well retained, showing staining and age related deterioration.

The top spike is a classic example, with all four star shaped attachment split pins intact, and the correct round base. The "egg and dart" perlring around the bottom is in great shape. The top of the ball can be unscrewed for the attachment of a parade plume, as was common with officer pickelhauben.

The helmet's interior reveals no depot marks or maker marks, so it was most likely bespoke. The underside of the front visor is green (mostly worn away), while the rear is red, a color combination that we see on most of the officer pickelhauben we handle. There is definitely age to the exterior black finish, which has multiple cracks and crazing, as well as areas of deterioration and flaking. The front and rear visor are still firmly attached to the helmet, with no sign of stitch deterioration that we can see.

The inside liner is still present, however the silk skull cap is completely missing. The leather sweatband is still supple and complete. There are no sizes marked anywhere that we can see on the interior.

Overall a very appealing Model 1897 Officer Pickelhaube helmet, ready to display!