Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition Austrian Model 1905 Dragoon’s Helmet, intended for use by Enlisted Men. Officer’s would wear a far more ornate version with chin scales and embossed brass panels on the side of the comb, showing a Lion battling a Snake. “Dragoon” mounted cavalry units were ubiquitous in Europe, and were skilled at both mounted and dismounted fighting. By WWI, they were outdated, but they still enjoyed great prestige, and had the helmets to match.
This fine example still has the original makers label on the inside, which indicates that they are a licensed imperial manufacturer and reads:
K. u. K. LIEFERANT
JOSEF ZIMBLER
UNIFORMEN &
UNIFORMAUSRÜSTUNGSSORTEN
FABRIK
WIEN
VIEN VII/2 BURGGASSE 33
There is not a size marking, but we believe it to be around a size 58cm / 7 1/4 inches.
The helmet is made from a pressed or boiled leather central body, with brass fitted steel front and rear visors. The comb is also steel with a brass central portion. The liner is black finished leather, and still has the original top tie strap.
The helmets Wappen (Front Plate) Shows the Austrian Imperial Double-headed Eagle holding a sword and orb in its talons. The central Escutcheon shows the marshaled arms of the Habsburg, Babenberg and Lorraine houses, with FJI in the center, for Franz Joseph I of Austria. He was Emperor of Austria from 1848 until his death in 1916.
A lovely Imperial Austrian Dragoon helmet, ready to add to your collection!