Well here is my retirement helmet.
This is by far the most superb example I have ever encountered of a Preußen Kürassier officer's Metalhelm. When it arrived I spent the entire evening with my jaw taped shut as I was so amazed my jaw was hanging open. It is actually a Prussian Schweres-Reserve-Reiter-Regiment officer’s Metalhelm, but Kürassier officer is easier…
This elegant pattern with the elongated rear neck guard was predominant after 1899. For Line Kürassier, nickeled shell with gilt fittings and Preußen eagle Wappen was worn by Kürrasier Regts Nr. 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. For Schweres-Reserve-Reiter-Regiment, all eight Regiments wore gilt fittings with Landwehr cross.
The shell is an absolutely beautiful nickled steel officer's pattern “Lobster Tail” with a mirror finish and gilt trim. The ultra light helmet shell is in flawless as-new condition with no dents, no damage, and no extra holes. Mounted Troops rounded gilt chinscales retain the undamaged leather chinstrap, and are secured with highly detailed Kürassier pattern officer's cloverleaf rosettes. Correct large Reichs and Preußen two-piece Kürassier pattern officer's Kokarden with single angled ribbing. Interior leather liner and silk skull cap are absolutely undamaged showing only slight usage. Inner back visor is covered with black velvet displays only minor wear. Front Wappen is a beautifully gilded correct Kürassier pattern eagle with a silver Landwehr cross. Spike base is Kürassier officer style with a gilt cruciform spike base and very tall removable fluted silver spike. Inner front visor is covered with green leather with perfect light age crackling.
Close examination of the brass nuts and washers reveals that this helmet has never been taken apart. And as long as I am privileged to own it, it never will be.
In my humble opinion, a Preußen Kürassier officer's Metalhelm is the quintessential Pickelhaube symbolizing the Imperial German era. And this is as good as it gets.
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