Original Item: Only One Available. This is a excellent condition top of the line private purchase officer's Pickelhaube helmet from a Prussian Infantry Regiment from Westphalia, possibly used during the WWI Era. 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.

Regardless of the unit, officer Pickelhaube share common features such as: 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 solid "German Silver",  an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. It was usually only seen on the higher rank helmets, though particular units could use it if they desired.  The Prussian wappen (coat of arms) features the large Eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, holding the Sceptre and Orb of the German Empire. In the center of the eagle's chest there is a smaller gilt brass eagle, bearing the horse emblem of the Prussian Province of Westfalen (Westphalia), which is executed in minute detail. We've never had one like this before!

The chin scales are in great condition, solid and functional with full leather behind them and the usual brass retaining pin. Both kokarde (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.

The top spike is very nice, with no dents, and has some nice side vents. It is attached to a cruciform spike base, with all four gilt brass star retainer pins present, with full gilding. The perlring is beautifully executed, and the entire spike unscrews, so that a parade spike with plume can be attached.

The helmet's interior reveals no depot marks on the back visor. It is approximately a size 7 US (56cm). There is definitely age to the exterior black finish, which has small cracks and crazing, however there is no major flaking. The inside liner is still present, with all fingers intact, and a lovely color. 

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