Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good condition, smart-looking officer pickelhaube from a Prussian Infantry Regiment, which was most likely used during World War One. 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 overall condition of this officer's pickelhaube is good. All of the helmet's furniture is highly-detailed gilt aluminum bronze alloy, and the gilding is still mostly present and bright except on the wappen. 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). The chin scales are in very good condition, solid and functional with most of the leather behind them and large split pin attachment present. The very end of one side is gone but the buckle is retained on the other.

Both kokarden (cockades) are present, and are of high-end two piece construction, with detailed casting. 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 good condition, with the paint retained. The alloy central bands have oxidized and faded from their original bright appearance.

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

The helmet’s interior has a heavily worn liner with the silk skull cap heavily torn. The interior crown has an inscription of a name next to 2/56 which may denote the size, 56, and a maker’s circular stamp:

Alexander Dahl
Bairn
Fabrik
Barmsh?

The stamp is heavily worn so this transcription is likely not exact. The underside of the front visor is green, while the rear is red, a color combination that we see on most of the officer pickelhauben we handle. Unfortunately the rear visor has had the stitching pull and deteriorate, so they are held on more by the fittings than the stitching. There is definitely age to the exterior black finish, which has cracks and crazing, as well as areas of deterioration and deformation.

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