Original German WWI Saxon Model 1897 Foot Artillery Pickelhaube Kugelhelm Helmet – Dated 1912 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a traditional German first world war Saxon Mannschaften (Other Ranks) brass mounted leather helmet known as a Pickelhaube, for Fußartillerie (Foot Artillery) soldiers. 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 M1897 Saxon Artillery Kugelhelm was the final pre-1914 evolution in a long series of ball-top helmets, and is very similar to the versions used by other German City-states. It was manufactured from boiled leather, lacquered black, and provided with fittings made of brass or German silver dependent upon the Regt. The protection it offered was very limited and led to the eventual replacement by a steel helmet in 1916.

This helmet features a wappen (front plate) with a gilt brass star, on top of which is a “German Silver” coat of arms of the Kingdom of Sachsen (Saxony), which is surrounded by leaves and topped by a King’s Crown. It also has correct kokarden (cockades) on both sides, green/white Saxon State kokarden on the left and Reichs (black/red/white) on the right. Interior of the Pickelhaube is in very fine condition, exhibiting moderate use. It has a correct black leather liner, complete with securing tie on the top. The inside of the helmet is marked with the manufacturer information:

Ernst Siegemund
DRESDEN.
1912.

Dresden is the capital of Saxony, and one of its largest cities. The black leather shell shows normal age crazing and wear, but is quite shiny, clearly having been lovingly polished many times.  It still has the original flat black chin strap, with brass end loops.

The front leather visor has brass trim in very good condition, though it is a bit loose due to shrinking. The rear metal spine that descends from the spike’s baseplate to the edge of the rear visor is also in very good condition. Overall a very nice condition Saxon Foot Artillery Kugelhelm, a great addition to any collection.