World War 1 German Pickelhaube Leather Infantry Helmet Battlefield Trophy

World War 1 German Pickelhaube Leather Infantry Helmet - Battlefield Trophy. Brought home to the United States from the front lines as a battlefield trophy by a beau of my grandmother, this helmet then sat in her attic until her death in 1971 - at which time it was discovered by my father who gave it to me. The Helmet Plate signifies this soldier was from the Baden state as does the left cockade.

The right cockade represents the the Reich (post-1897). These cockades were added to the helmet many decades ago by a friend of my fathers who had an interest in World War 1 collectibles. Other than these cockades the helmet has been untouched by any restoration techniques. Note: I believe these cockades are reversed as they appear on my helmet - the Reich cockade should be on the left & vice-versa - easy enough to switch!

The helmet plate shows a winged griffin wearing a Kings crown holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other hand. The helmet plate bottom reads. MIT GOTT FUR FURST UND VATERLAND.

Which translates to With God for Prince and Fatherland. Helmets of this era had a helmet plate stamped from tin with other hardware made from pewter. This edition appears to follow suit. Based on research I have done about the Pickelhaube I would say the helmets leather exterior is in fair condition - especially considering this was a helmet picked off the battlefield (found condition).

The interior leather is in poor condition. There is no date that I could ascertain on the interior, but the last mass production of the Pickelhaube style helmets was 1915 - after which this style was gradually replaced by the modern (and more protective) metal helmets. The number 57 is stamped on the interior near the crown which indicates the European sizing (cm). I have tried to represent this Picklehaube helmet as accurately as possible with the attached images.

If You have any questions or wish to have another camera angle please make a request; or if You live in the San Francisco Bay Area and wish to inspect it personally please contact me. The item "World War 1 German Pickelhaube Leather Infantry Helmet Battlefield Trophy" is in sale since Monday, July 26, 2021. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\Germany\Hats & Helmets".

The seller is "ethelridge" and is located in Saint Helena, California. This item can be shipped to United States.

Conflict: WW I (1914-18)
Original/Reproduction: Original
Theme: Militaria
Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
Region of Origin: Germany
Modified Item: No