Original German WWI Prussian M1897 Foot Artillery Officers Pickelhaube Helmet – Kugelhelm Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great condition, smart-looking high-end officer pickelhaube from a Prussian Foot Artillery Regiment, which was most likely used during World War One. 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 and utilized the “squared finger” liners until 1880, when the internal leather sweatband and silk skull-cap came into use.

Regardless of the unit, officer Pickelhaube share common features such as: the undersides of visors are lined with red and green, larger and more ornate officers kokarden were attached, and “egg & dart” Perlring was utilized around the base of the top spike. Additionally, chin scales were worn, attached permanently to the helmet. 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.

As this is the artillery version of the Pickelhaube, ball representing a cannon ball replaced the usual spike, leading this to be referred to as an Artillerie Kugelhelm (Artillery Ball-Top Helm).

The overall condition of this officer’s pickelhaube is very good. All of the helmet’s furniture is highly-detailed gilt brass alloy, which is still very bright, something we rarely see! Usually the gold has worn away, leaving a dull patina. The Prussian wappen (coat of arms) features a large eagle with the King’s motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The Wappen is held in place by the correct bolts used on officer’s models. The chin scales are in great shape, with complete leather backing front clasp, though the buckle is missing. This is one of the best looking officer’s helmets we have ever had!

It is complete with the Prussian (black and white) and German National Colors (red white and black) Kokarden (cockades) around the chin strap lugs. In 1897 the 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, as on this helmet. The paint on both is still almost completely intact, with the usual age related fading and checking.

The helmet’s interior reveals no depot marks on the red-lined back visor, and the front green lined visor is unmarked as standard. There is no size marking, but it seems to be around a size 56-57. The lacquer finished leather is in great condition having no serious issues, just the usual light cracking. The shape of this pickelhaube is preserved excellently, though it is just a bit sunken in on the top. The front and rear visor stitching looks to be fully intact, and hasn’t rotted out as many do. There seems to have been minimal leather shrinkage on this example, and it displays great.

The inside liner is still present, complete with the original silk skull cap, with some light wear and deterioration. The sweatband is the correct doe skin leather, and is retained very well, and the cream colored silk skullcap is in great shape, as shown. It has been punctured by the bolts on the fittings, a normal occurence.

Overall a very appealing Model 1897 Foot Artillery Officer Pickelhaube Kugelhelm, one of the best looking we have ever had! Ready to display!