Prussian Feldgrau Stahlblech Haube

[Stahlhelm]

The helmet is a small size and fully lined in felt. It shows its age, but there is very little wear overall. The ink stamp on the rear flange is not clearly legible.

I look forward to any thoughts or insights.

 

[Stahlhelm]

The only other example of this variant I've found so far is in Kraus' book. It appears to be a later version with tan leather liner/chinstrap and Feldgrau painted fittings.

 

[Andy be Prussian]

The brass furniture seems to be all good, although the prongs on the spike base fasteners look very thin, so I don’t know if they are original. The design of the haube itself I’ve never seen before.

 

[Stahlhelm]

Thank you Andy. Here are close-ups of the spike fasteners. To me they look original to the helmet.

Certain details of this variant, such as the positioning of the spike fasteners, are more similar to what is seen on Eisenblech "kit" helmets. The standard Stahlblech versions normally have them in an X formation (when viewed front to back) and obviously lack the false visor trim and implied segmentation of the visor and neck guard that this version has.

 

[Bobted]

Very nice , I have not seen one like this before. Rob

 

[John Josef]

I love it Congratulations.

It's always great to see rare variants and proof that they are still out there which is what keeps me motivated as a collector to keep hunting.

mfg John Josef

 

[Rkinkade]

If anyone has interest in a similar construction helmet, there is a new listing on eBay. It is black, has the similar visor edging, and has the spike base and false brads embossed as one piece with the body. Sorry, I am not computer savvy enough to post a link. Search “ersatz Pickelhaube”. Located in Michigan, USA.

Ron

 

[Khukri]

The helmet is a small size and fully lined in felt. It shows its age, but there is very little wear overall. The ink stamp on the rear flange is not clearly legible.

I look forward to any thoughts or insights.

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How is the Wappen attached to the helmet? Thank you.

 

[Andy be Prussian]

Do

If anyone has interest in a similar construction helmet, there is a new listing on eBay. It is black, has the similar visor edging, and has the spike base and false brads embossed as one piece with the body. Sorry, I am not computer savvy enough to post a link. Search “ersatz Pickelhaube”. Located in Michigan, USA.

Ron

did you mean this one?: https://ebay.us/m/KRiZRZ

 

[Stahlhelm]

Ron, the ebay helmet (in Andy be Prussian's link) might look similar, but I don't think it's the same thing.

Kuhkri, I will post pictures of the disassembled helmet and front plate tomorrow and will also post another more conventional Stahlblech helmet that I own in a separate thread.

 

[Rkinkade]

Thanks Andy Be Prussian, that one.

Stahlhelm, I agree. I just pointed it out as it is a metal helm variation I have not seen before. The biggest similarity to the helmet starting this thread is the false visor trim, although the rear trim has a different blend radius at the ends. Most metal helmets have a small rolled bead edge if one piece shell and visors; separate affixed visor trim if three piece “kit” helmets. What I find most interesting is the embossed one piece body and spike base. View the inside photos on the eBay helmet. This feature is similar to the late kuirassier Field gray helmets. I have not seen this feature on a typical metal Pickelhaube. Stamped, or embossed bases are common, but they are crimped to the helmet body. I love your helmet by the way.
Ron

 

[Stahlhelm]

Thanks Ron.

 

[Stahlhelm]

The helmet plate is the standard type, with two loops inserted through two holes and held in place with leather strips. The felt lining has two small cut-out holes around this area to make disassembly easier.
The interior photo shows that the pins for the spike base have a gap between the bent prongs and the interior spike base plate due to shrinkage or loss of volume of the felt over time. I believe the felt lining is the reason that this helmet has an interior spike base plate.

This variant of the Stahlblech Haube has no liner pins or rivets. I will post my other Stahlblech, a standard variant of this helmet, tomorrow if I can. That one has a rear liner pin and one at the front hidden behind the Wappen.