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Prussian helmet ?


Buster

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Hi , I picked this up this morning, I know nothing of picklehaub, but know this is s repro (as sold to me) what I  want to know is, is it an accurate copy or not? I know Fritz will know exactly what it is,.

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The helmet is a copy of a Kürassier or heavy cavalry helmet. Prussia had altogether 8 of these regiments and 2 Guard Kürassier Regiments, so they were not very common. No other German states had Kürassier Regiments, apart from Bavaria, these however were abolished in 1873 and converted into (Bavarian)  Schwere Reiter Regiment 1 and 2.
The type of helmet in your photos would be for Prussian Kürassier-Regiments 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
Kürassier Regts. 1 and  2 had their own special emblems, and Kürassier Regt 6 wore helmet made of tomback (gold coloured metal) with white metal fittings.

The answer to your question is yes and no, partly - many details are not quite right or wrong.  I hope you didn't pay too much for this, it may be ok for re-enactment, or just simple display. It could also be improved by adding more correct repro parts to make look a bit more accurate.
The helmet body is quite good as far as the shape and form is concerned.   Modern helmets are usually a much larger size than originals.  I would tend to concentrate on the chinscales and maybe better cockades, as well as a more accurate copy of the eagle. Best to look at as many original examples as possible to develop the right instincts for this type of helmet. There are all sorts of reasonable copies of parts on the market here and there, these may be found at militaria fairs and arms fairs.

The leather helmet was developed as from 1842 onwards with many new developments till 1915/16, the last known versions. A steel helmet for Kürassiers was first introduced in 1844.

The helmet is basicly an other ranks type 1889/94 for regiments 3,4,5,7 and 8. The chinscales are the wrong version, being flat for infantry etc., they should be "convex" in form.  The rosettes are of the officers pattern, not matching.  The line eagle is basicly correct, but not as "cutout" as an original. When you take a look at an original and compare it with your example, you will see many tiny differences. The spike is the correct type, but too "square" when compared to an original. To be considered also, there were many different manufacturers, each with slight typical features on each part. The lining will probably be at variance with an original - many original helmets have lost their liners due to age.

As mentioned with the chinscales, they should be "rounded" or convex for this type of helmet. Before 1894, chinscales were mounted with convex brass or tomack rosettes and and iron screw. Aftterr 1894 this detail was changed to a new special type of mounting known as "Knopf" 91 or 94. Also the scales should join at the front with a small button and buttonhole as a fastener.

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Model 1889/94 helmet for Kürassier Regiment 2. Maker in this example is C.E.Juncker, Berlin 1915, the last of that series.
Helmet has been restored and de-rusted. No original lining.

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Detail of "Knopf 94" fitting and large cockade on model 1889/94 helmet

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Detail of front with end fastener , model 1889/94

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Earlier modell pre 1889 showing old style of fittings with rosette and iron screw "Schlitzschrauben". This helmet would have been made before 1860 and with the 1861 pattern line eagle with scroll. As worn by Kürassier Regiments 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8. In 1902 a special emblem was awarded to Kürassier-Regt. 1 .
Helmt is all complete with original leather liner, traces of age throughout. Older helmets were considerably higher and the style of peak is markedly different, this feature was changed in 1889, the crown of the helmet and the spike then considerably lower.

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Details of cockade, rosette and iron screw on older helmets.

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Detail of "convex" chinscales and fastener at front. Peak form typical for older helmets

 

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Other Ranks helmet 1889/1902, Kürassier Regiment 1, special pattern eagle introduced in 1902. Extremely rare. (internet photo)

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Brandenburgisches Kürassier Regiment 6. Very early model 1842/44 for an officer. (internet photo)

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Prussian Kürassier helmet M.1809 (leather)

 

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Thanks fritz  very helpful information indeed,, I payed very little for it so if I find more accurate parts I still wont be very much into it, it's only going to sit in a cupboard with my guns for display, i might try knocking the newish  look out of it

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Artificial aging would be the best solution, often used to make copies more convincing, I tend not to use the dent solution.

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I wouldn't dent either,  was thinking more off chemical ageing somehow . 

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some new photos added as info.

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