WW1 GERMAN OFFICER'S SPIKE HELMET PRUSSIAN PICKELHAUBE, PIONEER Nr 6 With HAT BOX

WW1 GERMAN OFFICER'S SPIKE HELMET PRUSSIAN PICKELHAUBE SILVER PIONEER , BATTALION Nr 6 W/ HAT BOX. The Pickelhaube, pearl and arrow stem and the round base plate are of elemental silver(or less likely silver plated on a brass alloy). The Wappen, visor trim metal and back support spine are also of some silver content (or silver platting). The flat scale gilt colored chin strap is probably German tombac (a brass alloy with a high copper content and 5%-20% zinc; tin, lead or arsenic may have been used for coloration).

All are non-magnetic except the flat chin scales of suspected German tombac alloy. The leather is frayed, broken and torn attesting to its often times lengthy travel and storage periods. The helmet has been in my sole possession for approximately 45+ years, either on open display or in company paid air conditioned storage. During my ownership, the piece was never polished, cleaned with a damp cloth or rested for any time on its front visor and rear. The spike, pearl and arrow stem and top plate became covered with a deep blue silver patina, while the Wappen and back spine became a dull light gray. For this sale, I chose to polish all metal furniture for the first time in my possession. However, it is of interest to note that the Kingdom of Prussia rosette which is originally silvered remains in a state of blue oxidation.......... The black leather helmet surface is highly reflective, bright and without cuts, epidermal pits or massive crazing. Rare micro-hairline fractures without depth can be observed. The surface is smooth and exceptionally pleasant for a 100+ year item. All stitching and beading is complete and uniform. There are no loose leather elements or support rivets.

The interior of the Pioneer helmet is in an unbelievable pristine condition. Helmet size is marked 56 1/2. A private helmet makers stamp is unreadable; however, the Wardrobe location can be inferred to be: Berlin S. The numeral "6" is written near the roof of the helmet Possibly, Pioneer Battalion Nr.

6, Eastern Imperial Germany, Prov. Silesia, town of Neissie; now, since 1947 in the Polish sector of Germany, town of Nysa. Slight normal wear can be noted along the outside edge of the liner and surface rubbing below the non-magnetic silver chin strap roundels.

The light brown cloth top liner is wholly complete, free of excessive wear, tears, holes or stains. In all my years of collecting, I have never seen a Leather Helmet in this condition for public sale. Most superb helmets have long since entered and locked into museum or university collections. The black conical two piece hat box comes with the Silesian Silver Prussian. The solid teak helmet stand does not.

This piece has seen exceptional personal care and preservation, not generally experienced by a Government Issue. For collectors of Second Reich WhiIhem II line helmets, it doesn't get any better than this............. This is as good as it gets. After posting this Prussian Silver Pioneer Helmet, the photo images depict a distorted presentation of its true character.

The images show a ghost-like white boundary along the silver front plate and silver furniture. This must be "flash back" off the highly reflective silver on the smooth black leather surface and back. Doubtful if additional images would help. In reality, the contrast between the silver accuments is sharp, abrupt and mesmerizing.

The item "WW1 GERMAN OFFICER'S SPIKE HELMET PRUSSIAN PICKELHAUBE, PIONEER Nr 6 With HAT BOX" is in sale since Friday, February 14, 2020. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\Germany\Hats & Helmets". The seller is "steti-3221" and is located in Plano, Texas. This item can be shipped to United States.

Modified Item: No
Featured Refinements: Pickelhaube
Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany