H017191 M1897 PRUSSIAN GRENADIER REGIMENTS OF THE LINE OFFICER PICKELHAUBE.
BACKGROUND:
Development of the pickelhaube may be traced back to the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV who initiated the original design and introduced it for wear by most of the Prussian line Infantry regiments on October 23RD 1842. The pickelhaube became a visual symbol of Prussia’s military might and underwent numerous modifications starting in 1860 and continuing right up until 1915. The Grand Duchy of Baden adopted a somewhat unique pickelhaube in 1849 with major differences from the Prussian pickelhaube of the time. Starting in 1856 the Baden style pickelhaube was modified to conform with the Prussian style and after 1867 any further modifications were identical to the Prussian version excluding the Baden state helmet plate. The demise of the pickelhaube began in the fields of WWI as a result of increased head wounds suffered by the German troops which were mainly caused by grenade and shell fragments. As a result of the increased head wounds and the development of the first "modern" steel helmets by the French army in early 1915 and by the British army later that year the German army began tests for their own steel helmet at the Kummersdorf Proving Grounds in November, and in the field in December 1915. An acceptable pattern was developed and approved and production of the new steel helmets began at the Eisen-und Hüttenwerke, AG Thale/Harz, in the spring of 1916. After the introduction of the M16 helmet the pickelhaube was relegated for wear only on ceremonial occasions.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The twelve oldest Prussian Infantry Regiments were designated Grenadiers. The "Old" Grenadier Eagle with the FWR cipher helmet plate was worn by before switching over to the "New" Grenadier Eagle without the Guard Star. This example will be one worn by officers of Regiments Nos. 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11 or 12. It has the round spike base with officer star retainers, removable tall spike, two vent holes example, flat chinscales secured by brass rosettes. All fittings are "dirty" brass including the wappen which is the "New" Grenadier Eagle without the Guard star. The wappen is secured to the helmet body via thread and nut system. No extra holes on the helmet body. Helmet body has minor crazing. Stitching to both visors are tight. Interior has officer brown leather sweatband with brown coloured canvas. Both the sweatband and the canvas show wear and tear. Visors backing with green and red as proper for an officer. Officer's name was written in pencil inside the helmet skull. Original Reich and Prussian officer style cockades.
GRADE **** PRICE $2,025.00
To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail
MILITARIA WANTED! If you have items for sale, please contact us. We specialize in selling single pieces and entire collections. Over 3 decades in the business and we do all the work for you. Get the best return for your investment.
-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca Or guild@nb.aibn.com
To return to the main page please CLICK below