What is this helmet?

[Jeff N.]

I recently acquired this helmet in a collection I bought. It is a canvas covered cork (colonial style) Pickelhaube. It also is marked for the 119th Regiment inside the helmet and stenciled across the back. The rear visor is also canvas covered cork painted black. There are no extra holes in the body from any previously installed helmet plate(s). The devices installed are held-in place by wires not the traditional leather wedge or nut. I was told that the stylized insignia under the "1530" banner plate is designation for a African Regiment? Its genuinely poor condition elevates my concern that someone made it up (with the possibility of a replaced liner). I know I have seen a photo of this type helmet somewhere along the line. Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated. This does not fit into my collecting interests so it is imperative I can describe it accurately to a future owner.

 

[Bobted]

Was this posted recently here ? Rob

 

[ww1czechlegion]

Was this posted recently here ? Rob

There was some discussion on the WAF forum about it a few weeks ago.

 

[Bobted]

Ahh yes

 

[Jeff N.]

Yes, I posted this helmet on WAF and also Gentleman's Military Interest Forum. No one has provided a definitive answer. I am hoping someone will.

 

[ww1czechlegion]

Hi Jeff,

Hopefully someone here will be able to provide you with a definitive answer.

Best Wishes,

Alan

 

[Andy be Prussian]

Very peculiar. I’m personally split on this. A lot of these corked pickelhauben were believed to be for colonial troops, when most of the time, they’re ersatz models that have faded from a field gray color. I’ve seen several fraudulent pieces online that have a tag written like this one which tries to add providence to them. The rear leather replacement visor seems to be sloppily sown on and the whole piece seems to have been artificially aged. But there are no extra holes added other than for the furniture on them and the body does seem to be legit. But ive never seen a canvas one that has its regiment numbers applied that way. I think the sure fire way would be to research if any such Württemberg regiments fought for the Ottomans or in Africa.

 

[John Josef]

I wouldn't touch it for over 50 bucks it has the look of one of those prop creations made in England. My opinion is just that and if someone else would be happy to have it in their collection more power to them and I'd be happy for them. I just don't have a good feeling while looking at it.

That company sells just about everything they make and list on Ebay. Sadly, even though they list them has reproductions once they sell who knows where they end up.

 

[Jeff N.]

Andy be Prussian, The rear visor is canvas covered cork just like the helmet body but painted black. I do not disagree with anything said except artificially aging. R119 is also stamped inside the helmet It could, however, very be a prop or anything else for that matter

 

[Pontiac9999]

I saw this too on another site. Someone did not replace the rear visor, but instead painted/colored it black and added a spine. The 119 on the back is odd, but interesting. This could have been some sort of regiment marking added after.

Maybe the 1530 plate is supposed to be a scroll wappen? And I have no idea what that metal thing is underneath the 1530 plate. OR, maybe the whole thing is made up as a fantasy piece...??

 

[coert65]

Well, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot bargepole..