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Item:
ONCSS21089

Original Magnificent Swedish Named Royal Guard M1845 Pickelhaube Spiked Leather Helmet with Transit Case

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. The Pickelhaube is an Iconic helmet, design, which originated in 19th Century German. The name itself comes from the German Pickel, "point" or "pickaxe", and Haube, "bonnet", a general word for "headgear". Also known colloquially as Pickelhelm, these were spiked helmets worn in the 19th and 20th centuries by Prussian and German military, firefighters and police.

Although typically associated with the Prussian Army, which adopted it in 1842–43, the helmet was widely imitated by other armies during that period in Europe, in this case by the Scandinavian Country of Sweden. They adopted this style of helmet soon after Germany in 1845, and used it in the WWI period until it was replaced by steel helmets. As with most German pickelhauben, the Swedish version is made from boiled leather, which is then lacquered black. The design also follows the basic early German model, with front and rear leather visors, the front with metal trim, and a support spine for the rear visor.

As with the early German designs, the helmet is quite tall, much more so than later versions. This type measures about 14 inches tall including the spike, and the "crown" is far above the top of the helmet.

The fittings on this magnificent helmet are all mercury gilt brass, which is very well retained, still bright and shiny. The top has a very tall spike on a cruciform spike base, with perlring around the base, a design usually seen on officer helmets. The top of the spike unscrews, for the addition of a parade plume if needed.

It has a very large front plate, or wappen, which shows the Swedish Crown over the coat of arms: Three Crowns on a Shield. There are inward facing lions to either side, with flags behind. Underneath is the seven winged head of a seraphim flanked by "Cross of Lorraine" designs on either side, over the IHS badge of the "Order of the Seraphim". The front plate is secured split pins on the rear.

The helmet has permanently attached leather backed brass chin scales, which are buckled at the front. The attachment points on the right has a large ribbon cockade around it, which we unfortunately do not know the meaning of. The chin strap is in good condition, but definitely shows age, with the leather now somewhat fragile and worn.

The interior of the helmet has a very worn black leather liner, much like the liners in German helmets. It is quite torn, and even has been partly re-attached to the helmet using double sided tape. It definitely looks to be original to the helmet, so efforts have been made to preserve it, however there is only so much that can be done with leather that is this old.

There is writing on the interior of the helmet on the rear, which could be from the owner, or possibly a previous collector who wanted to keep track of the history. It does not appear to be in Swedish or English, and could be another Scandinavian language. The top looks to be a name, which ends with "Norberg", and below that we can make out "Sergeant." It makes reference to "Lif Regementets" as well as "Grenadeer Corps" as well. There looks to be a date of 1850 at the bottom. A great research project for sure!

The included transit case measures 15"H x 13" x 11", and looks to be made of pressed paper covered with textured paint or leather. It is lined on the inside with soft padded fabric to protect the helmet.  It is in good condition, with the expected wear due to age and use. The leather strap on the bottom that secures it closed has lost the buckles on both sides, and the top leather handle has also torn through. The top section under the handle is also partly detached.

A very rare and very early Scandinavian Pickelhaube, complete with transit case. Truly magnificent, and ready to be a part of your collection!

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