Description
PRUSSIA – PICKELHAUBE / SPIKED HELMET – OFFICER – GRENADIER-REGIMENT NR 1
This is a fine officer pickelhaube from Grenadier-Regiment Kronprinz (1. Ostpreußisches ) Nr 1. This elite regiment was founded in 1655 and was garrisoned at Königsberg i. Pr and was attached to the Prussian I. Armeekorp.
The front plate (wappen) on this helmet is a variation of the basic wide winged Grenadier eagle with the addition of the historic banner “1655” on the hips of the Grenadier Eagle to commemorate the founding of Grenadier Regiment Nr 1 on 20 December 1655. The “1655” banner was first authorized for Grenadier-Regiment Nr 1 for the Heraldic Eagle (small winged eagle) by AKO on 6 Nov 1888. When the eagle was changed to the Grenadier Eagle on 6 May 1900, the outstanding mention banner was moved from above the eagle’s head to the eagle’s hips. The eagle is found in only one size and was worn with a Reich and a Prussian Kockarde.
The helmet itself is very solid with no major imperfections. All of the furniture is correct and there are no additional holes. The leather band on the interior appears to be an upgrade with the addition of ribbon laced through it. The silk liner is near pristine leading me to think that it was possibly a period replacement certainly not a modern replacement. An officer who felt his silk liner was too sweat stained may have asked for a replacement. The owner of the helmet clearly cared for his appearance and was not concerned with extra expense with his helmet. This is a first time offering for us at Der Rittmeister Militaria. On a rating scale of 1 to 3 Where 1 is a bit rough with some scratches and dents to 3 which is pristine condition, almost new, I would rate this helmet a solid 2.5+.
