New helmet and newly complete!

Dane Jensen

Dane Jensen

Well-known member
Howdy all! Hope everyone is well!

Well I got some great stuff that came in to me last night, I’m over the moon about them!

I won’t dilly dally so here’s what came in!

Randy from AOK was able to hook me up with a deal on this Prussian tachapka in almost complete and mint condition,

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I have always wanted a Tachapka, always loved the look and history of them! I can’t believe how good of condition this one is in! The chinstrap, cockade, liner and exterior are perfect!

For the other piece, with the help of Randy, he was able to finally complete my m96 Bavarian pioneer Pickelhaube! Fitting her with an original Wappen, cockade And helmet stud!

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She’s also named to her wearer!

This was my very first Pickelhaube, originally thought to be Prussian, turns out she was Bavarian all along! After about 10 years she’s finally complete again!

Hope y’all enjoy! All the best and much thanks to my good friend Randy for the deal and help!

Dane Jensen
 
That is indeed a very nice Tschapka. Frosty! A time traveller. With the non-removable tin top and leather chinstrap, it could be a 1914 Ersatz, but it’s probably a 1915 Friedens-Uniform (future peacetime uniform). Very difficult to find. Did you peek inside the shell for a date? I have a Friedens-Uniform Tschapka here with silver fittings dated 1916.
 
Tony without Kaiser said:
That is indeed a very nice Tschapka. Frosty! A time traveller. With the non-removable tin top and leather chinstrap, it could be a 1914 Ersatz, but it’s probably a 1915 Friedens-Uniform (future peacetime uniform). Very difficult to find. Did you peek inside the shell for a date? I have a Friedens-Uniform Tschapka here with silver fittings dated 1916.
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Thank you so much! That means a ton coming from you Tony!

I have yet to check under the liner to find any dates, but once I do I’ll surely post here showing my findings. Do believe as well she’s a later example of the pre war type, haven’t considered her being ersatz though, I wasn’t aware they did ersatz in this style!

Would love to see the Freidens-uniform tachapka you have, would be great reference material!
 
Dane allow me to clarify. For years I had thought that the metal top and chin straps on a Tschapka were “probably” a 1914/15 Ersatz replacement for the leather. This is only my opinion. When I wrote the page for the helmet below, I had not considered the 1915 Friedens-Uniform. So my opinion has changed to include both. Here I would also like to mention that the Fangschnur were not just parade. They were worn in the field for their purpose, to keep the helmet with the rider if it fell off. More photos HERE.

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Dane:

It's nice to see your collection developing and that it incorporates both the military and the civil elements of Imperial Germany.

That Tschapska is a great example.
 
Steve Nick said:
Dane:

It's nice to see your collection developing and that it incorporates both the military and the civil elements of Imperial Germany.

That Tschapska is a great example.
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Thank you so much! My collection is geared towards education, I feel it’s important to represent the civilian side of imperial Germany as that was more common and what the everyday person would see!

Thank you again!
 
Tony without Kaiser said:
Dane allow me to clarify. For years I had thought that the metal top and chin straps on a Tschapka were “probably” a 1914/15 Ersatz replacement for the leather. This is only my opinion. When I wrote the page for the helmet below, I had not considered the 1915 Friedens-Uniform. So my opinion has changed to include both. Here I would also like to mention that the Fangschnur were not just parade. They were worn in the field for their purpose, to keep the helmet with the rider if it fell off. More photos HERE.
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Hello Tony,
Yes, the M94-type Tschapkas (with brass or nickel silver fittings) but with a sheet metal tray are indeed "ersatz" made in war production. In fact, it's easier and faster to make them from stamped sheet metal than from "worked" and stitched leather.
Regarding the leather chinstrap, there was a directive from the High Command, which, from August 1914 onwards, favored the "field" chinstrap (M91 infantry) for cavalrymen, but helmets still equipped with scale chinstraps retained them. This was also the case for officers, who, starting with the M15 Officer model (side post), were authorized to wear a simple "enlisted" chinstrap at the front.
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As for the "fangschnur and racketten" this was over as soon as the war began, the Tschapska cover not allowing it to be kept in campaign attire.
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Hello Dane,
Your helmets are very beautiful, congratulations.

However, be careful regarding the M91 roundels and chinstraps; they are often missing on helmets, and as a result, many reproductions are circulating. An authentic Reichskokarde costs €80-100, a copy €10, a period M91 chinstrap €200, a reproduction €20.
I am sincerely sorry to have to inform you that the chinstrap on your Chapska and the Reichskokarde are reproductions, clearly identified on French forums.
The chinstrap on your K.B. P.B. is a WWII police Shako chinstrap, possibly from the 1950s, with aluminum fittings.
I am not telling you this to criticize, but so that everyone is aware and doesn't get caught out in the future.
I have nothing against copies, as long as they are sold and recognized as such.
 
Congrats on returning your Bavarian back with its original plate. Randy and Remy are true gentlemen. It's very rewarding to get these old fellows back to their original state. Just goes to show that all "Collectors" are in fact "Conservators". Safeguarding history for future generations. I really like the paper money display. Old currency is as much artwork as anything else. There is an idea I may have to steal if you don't mind
 
CLOVIS 57 said:
Hello Dane,
Your helmets are very beautiful, congratulations.

However, be careful regarding the M91 roundels and chinstraps; they are often missing on helmets, and as a result, many reproductions are circulating. An authentic Reichskokarde costs €80-100, a copy €10, a period M91 chinstrap €200, a reproduction €20.
I am sincerely sorry to have to inform you that the chinstrap on your Chapska and the Reichskokarde are reproductions, clearly identified on French forums.
The chinstrap on your K.B. P.B. is a WWII police Shako chinstrap, possibly from the 1950s, with aluminum fittings.
I am not telling you this to criticize, but so that everyone is aware and doesn't get caught out in the future.
I have nothing against copies, as long as they are sold and recognized as such.
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Thank you for commenting Clovis. The pioneers chinstrap was one I had done up by my buddy so I’m aware it’s no good.

Shame about the Reichs cockade on the tachapka, I’ll have to find an original cockade to replace it.
 
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