Item:
ONSV4749

Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Garde Corps Steel Pickelhaube Helmet with Chin Strap - Metalhelm

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition smart-looking, Steel Eigentums-helm (privately purchased) Mannschaften Pickelhaube from one of the Prussian Garde Korps Regiments, which was most likely used during the WWI Period. These regiments were somewhat intended as "home guard", and were generally regarded quite highly. The regiments only recruited members from Preußen (Prussia) itself, and all members were considered "elite".

Even though this is a Mannschaften (Other Ranks) helmet, which would be used for Private to Feldwebel, it is of the highest quality, and in this case is actually made of a single piece steel body. Usually only the Kurasier regiments had metal helmets (Metalhelm), but for private purchased helmets, there could be interesting variations. Still, the quality of helmets within these ranks depended entirely on how much the individual wished to spend. "Issue" versions were quite a bit lesser in quality than others. 

This example was privately purchased, and has the makers name and size marked on the inside of the helmet:

Gebr. Bing A.-G.
Nürnberg 15.
55

The size 55 is also stamped into the steel around the vent, though unfortunately there is no date inside the helmet. Aside from being made of steel, this helmet features a Prussian Garde Korps Officer's Wappen (Front plate). This has an Enameled eagle and German Silver wappen main body. It still has the original leather liner inside, which has very nice white felt padding behind it. It even still has the original leather top tie string.

The overall condition of this steel pickelhaube is very good. All of the helmet's furnishings are the standard Pre-1915 Brass alloy. The Prussian Garde wappen (coat of arms) features a large eagle holding a scepter and an orb, with a banner bearing the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). As this is a Garde helmet, there is a large 8 pointed star in the middle, which is the emblem of the Hoher Orden vom Schwarzen Adler (Order of the Black Eagle). The motto SUUM CUIQUE (to each his own) is marked above an eagle, with laurel leaves below. This pattern, with the voided crown and enameled central eagle, is one of the most desirable types: the officer pattern. The central eagle is a bit loose, so it often rotates off center, but an easily be put back right. A truly nice example of this helmet. 

The helmet has a standard leather enlisted man's chin strap, with brass buckles and end loops. It is complete, but does show degradation and wear from use and age. 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. This helmet has the correct Reichs-Kokarde, but the Black and White Prussian state Kokarde is missing. The top spike is very nice, with no dents, and has some nice side vents. It has all four of the retaining rivets still intact.

A truly excellent private purchase Prussian WWI Era Garde helmet, ready to be the crown jewel of just about ANY German Pickelhaube collection. Ready to display!

  • This product is available for international shipping.
  • Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle

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