A very specific post here but perhaps some useful information for collectors. As you all know, I do restorations and get sent many different helmets to repair. In order to do these repairs I have to take helmets apart and remove fittings. Consequently, I get to see things which many collectors do not.
The cruciform spike differs from the usual round base spike base in that the rear spine actually goes underneath the rear arm of the base. On the round base officer spike the spine just meets up with the edge of the base. On the OR's round base the spine may have a slotted tang which slides underneath the base. On other OR spines, the tang is shorter and has no slot for the split brad retainer. As in all things "pickelhaube" there are variations/exceptions! So some photos of cruciform officer spines:
Beampte officer helmet. The position of the spine relative to the base is obvious. I had never seen a straight cut cruciform spine before. This helmet is actually dated on the inside shell: 27/9/95 ....Sept 27, 1895 and again a first in my experience!
Wurtt. Fire Officer helmet (neusilber fittings) with the more common "V" cut out so that the spine extends further up the arm to the star bolt. Again in my experience the the "V" tip is not squared off and this was new to me.
The "V" cut out which is the most common in my experience.
Three OR spine tang variations as mentioned in this post. Note the No. 2 on the M15. These size numbers?? can be found both on brass and M15's but it is rare for an OR spine to be numbered. I hope that this post provides some insight.
The cruciform spike differs from the usual round base spike base in that the rear spine actually goes underneath the rear arm of the base. On the round base officer spike the spine just meets up with the edge of the base. On the OR's round base the spine may have a slotted tang which slides underneath the base. On other OR spines, the tang is shorter and has no slot for the split brad retainer. As in all things "pickelhaube" there are variations/exceptions! So some photos of cruciform officer spines:
Beampte officer helmet. The position of the spine relative to the base is obvious. I had never seen a straight cut cruciform spine before. This helmet is actually dated on the inside shell: 27/9/95 ....Sept 27, 1895 and again a first in my experience!
Wurtt. Fire Officer helmet (neusilber fittings) with the more common "V" cut out so that the spine extends further up the arm to the star bolt. Again in my experience the the "V" tip is not squared off and this was new to me.
The "V" cut out which is the most common in my experience.
Three OR spine tang variations as mentioned in this post. Note the No. 2 on the M15. These size numbers?? can be found both on brass and M15's but it is rare for an OR spine to be numbered. I hope that this post provides some insight.
